Category: Education

A 2024 study revealed that a growing number of teens were losing interest in schools. Does that sound shocking? To a lot of us, it’s commonplace to find, not only teens but even younger learners throwing tantrums and excuses to skip class.

School engagement is down, first days rarely give our kids butterflies, and back-to-school stories are a tragedy. This is alarming, not because there’s collectively something wrong with a generation. Perhaps the current education system and classrooms fail to inspire creativity and learning.

Human beings are designed to be curious, trying to make sense of the world around them. This happens naturally even from childhood provided the child is busily involved in the learning process. If you suspect that’s not the case in your classroom, it’s time to make some concrete changes.

In this article, we will discuss four practical tips for designing a classroom that inspires learning. The tips focus on deeper engagement, greater intrinsic motivation, and better academic outcomes as the ultimate goals.

Redecorate With a Student-Centered Eye

Visual appeal matters and our first question to you is whether your current classroom inspires creative learning. Most schools take it to the extremes. They design classrooms in extremely bright shades and patterns or keep them beige and bland.

Interestingly, both approaches may fail to stimulate students’ brains as far as creative learning is concerned. Colors can indeed evoke certain emotions and moods, which is why it is important to tread carefully. To keep it student-centered, avoid using too much red or yellow as both colors can make kids aggressive or irritated.

They may be bright, but they’re not a good classroom color choice. You can stick to calming tones like shades of green or blue. Better yet, have your professional commercial painters customize each wall.

EA Pro Painters shares that choosing the right color scheme can seem daunting. If that’s the case, the experts will advise you on color psychology, age appropriateness, and practical considerations like paint types.

Certain walls can be painted with singular colors, whereas others can include murals to boost student engagement. These are particularly useful for students up to seven years whose brain links are not fully mature yet. Hence, they rely more on visual materials to establish communication.

You can use red or yellow but do so sparingly and only in zones where high energy levels are needed. A mix of colors, when used in a balanced way, can make a classroom appear more interesting. Students will be drawn to the learning process.

Keep the Seating Arrangement Flexible

What is the seating arrangement in your classroom like? While modern-day arrangements do allow students to sit in groups or pairs, their seats are often assigned. Even if your classroom uses cushions or beanbags for a more informal setting, active engagement is all about flexibility.

Consider taking the Montessori Approach. Maria Montessori, an Italian educator, firmly believed in fostering a sense of independence, responsibility, and collaboration in students. She discouraged the use of traditional rows of desks and benches but encouraged flexible seating arrangements.

The purpose of this also gets defeated when the teacher always assigns a student’s seat. How about allowing students to sit where they learn best? Give each child the chance to choose their sitting spot, albeit on a condition. They must make their choice based on where they learn best and not where they want to be.

This may require a bit of experimentation and scaffolding in the beginning. Let’s see a few ways to make it happen –

• Provide diverse seating options, including regular chairs and desks, bean bags, floor mats, roundtables, and more. Allow students to explore each option to see what works best for them.

• Ditch the fixed rows and create separate learning zones. Examples would be a reading corner, a quiet study area, a space for group projects, etc.

• Make your expectations clear by communicating the aim of exploration. Each student must find the most suitable study setup. Don’t open up all options at once but keep expanding gradually or during specific activities.

• If some kids are struggling, you can intervene to help them understand their learning styles and preferences.

• Don’t let your students’ choices be set in stone either. Instead, consider periodic rotation so each child has new opportunities to learn and interact with their peers.

Adopt a New Approach to Classroom Rules

Classroom rules designed to foster a safe, positive, and productive environment cannot be done away with. There is currently a dire need to tighten the rules, as a Pew Research Center study found. Around 72% of high school teachers reported that the use of smartphones continued to be a major classroom distraction.

For similar reasons, more schools in California have issued new rules surrounding smartphones. These tech devices have been banned but students keep bringing them. In schools where the rules are followed, teachers report a decline in bullying and a pleasant rise in socialization.

Depending on the age group and learning capacity of your classroom’s children, rules are necessary. However, you can consider adopting a new approach to these rules just to inspire greater learning and creativity. At the beginning of each annual session, ask yourself, “Who is the classroom being designed for?”

You can shift from the concept of classroom rules to that of ‘classroom norms.’ Let’s be upfront: Most students end up considering classroom rules as white noise by a certain age. Norms, being more fluid and open than rules, give students a clearer picture of what is expected of them.

Norms are like agreements where students collectively agree on how they will treat each other, interact in the classroom, and work collaboratively.

While rules set by the teacher give the impression of governance and control, norms carry a sense of autonomy. They can promote a more positive and inclusive learning environment where each student feels responsible, respected, and validated.

Get the Kids Moving

Have you noticed how children often resent being seated in one place for a long time? That’s not because they are mischievous or restless. It’s simply the nature of a child to be curious, and to enjoy moving about as they learn.

Movement is also an essential aspect of learning and development. Students of all ages (especially young learners) appreciate not being confined to the same spot. Going forward, think about incorporating movement into your classroom schedule.

There are many ways to integrate it, including specific movement breaks or an instructional design that includes movement. You can have the classroom space redesigned to encourage movement from one station to another in flexible seating arrangements.

Another good way to keep the mind and body stimulated is to introduce exercise balls for sitting. Don’t shy away from including a full-blown exercise or stretching class where students get to develop their social and emotional skills too.

These classes do not have to mimic a typical adult exercise class. It can be fast-paced to suit children’s attention spans and full of music, props, and whatnot.

Is classroom attendance a problem? Well, it looks like it is for a majority of American schools. Chronic absenteeism, characterized by missing at least 10% of the school year, is spreading faster than an epidemic.

Our children are displaying negative feelings towards schools due to boredom, bullying, confusion about the ‘rules,’ and transportation challenges. While teachers may not have the solution to every problem, they can play a significant role in fostering student engagement.

We just discussed four practical ways to inspire learning and productivity. Make some changes to your classroom design and culture and watch how students look forward to each school day.

Cybersecurity is no longer an ignored discipline in this digital world of today. With online threats growing more sophisticated, the demand for skilled security professionals has never been higher. Lots of professionals desire to advance their careers and thereby enhance career opportunities by pursuing the CISSP.

To accomplish that, you will need to find the best CISSP course for you. Considering that there are plenty of courses floating in the market today, deciding which one to pursue is perplexing. What you’d like to learn and know pertains to key factors that let you make good decisions.

1. Understand the importance of CISSP certification:

CISSP certification is held in high respect globally and greatly within the world of cybersecurity. The certification of expertise in the security practices, policies, and procedures is maintained. More organizations will be employing people who hold a CISSP as proof that they know and are equipped to face all security-related challenges. It is indeed not easy, and so the proper preparation has to be done.

The right structured course can offer all the required direction, study material, and practice exams, so the candidate can pass. It is a tested and respected credential by international security standards, adding to one’s resume.

2. Finding a Course That Matches Your Learning Style:

Everyone has a unique learning style. While some might want to study books, others need video lessons or interactive sessions to learn more effectively. First and foremost, a course needs to be suited to your style of learning. Courses are often offered with recorded lectures, or one can even get live classes taught by an instructor.

Many options are available in self-paced programs, enabling people to go at their speed. Before choosing a course, consider which type of learning method works best for you. A good course will keep you interested and absorb the material.

3. Reviewing the Course Content and Structure:

A good CISSP course should cover all domains of the exam. These domains include security and risk management, asset security, security architecture, and more. The course should provide detailed explanations of each topic.

It should also include practice questions to test your understanding. Some courses offer case studies and real-world examples to make learning easier. When reviewing a course, check if it provides structured modules that guide you step by step.

An effectively managed course will make it easier to understand complex topics and retain important information. The use of interactive elements like quizzes, and discussion forums, enhances the abilities of comprehension and retention of material.

4. Role of Practice Tests:

The actual test contains complex and tricky questions. Pre-final tests allow an individual to get accustomed to the format as well as to the level of difficulty. In most courses, practice exams can be found simulating the testing environment. Conducting multiple pre-final tests develops confidence and specifies areas that would require more work. When picking an online course for CISSP exam prep, ensure the course has many practice questions as well as explanations for every answer.

Reviewing the wrong answers and understanding the reasoning behind them is essential to improve performance. Periodical mock tests will enable the tracking of progress, determining the weak areas, and knowing what to intensify.

5. Flexibility and Accessibility of the Course:

Many professionals preparing for the CISSP certification hold a day job and have hectic schedules. Therefore, the course chosen must be accommodating with a flexible schedule. Some courses enable students to access the study materials anytime, while others have a set schedule. This gives online courses the advantage of studying from anywhere with ease.

Most courses offer a mobile app version, making it easy to carry out studies wherever you are and at whatever time. Make sure that the choice of course does not interfere with your daily schedule and keeps you on track as some courses have flexible learning programs. Downloadable materials for off-line study could be an added advantage for a professional who frequently travels.

6. Assessing Course Reviews and Student Feedback:

Reviews and feedback from past students are always helpful before registering for a CISSP course. This will help know if the course is effective and its material is excellent. Good reviews from passed-out students speak well about the course. Also, negative reviews may point out some shortcomings of the program.

Many platforms provide vast ratings and comments to help you decide. Besides that, it would be nice to join the discussion forums and groups, for inquiry about best recommendations and the experiences of other students. The community relationship motivates and provides useful tips in the learning process.

7. Determination of Cost and Value of the Course:

The courses based on CISSP vary according to their formats and materials. So, the cost differs from course to course. While some courses are expensive but ensure quality study material and instructor support for completion. Others might be more affordable but avoid live sessions or practice tests for effectiveness.

A good course can increase the chances of passing the exam on the first attempt, saving time and money in the long run. Budget is a factor, but value should be considered over just cost. A well-structured course with good resources is money well spent.

8. Creating a Study Plan for Exam Success:

Signing up for the best CISSP course is just the first step. It is proper planning of the study schedule that will determine success. Candidates need to set a specific time for everyday studying and stick to a structured plan. The combining of various resources for study, such as books, video lectures, and practice tests, would further strengthen the learning aspect.

Consistency is the key and frequent revisions will ensure retaining of the information. Being part of a group of students may add more motivation and support to pass the exam.  The Cissp exam preparation course online demands careful consideration. It must fit your learning style, be a comprehensive package with practice tests, be flexible, and have experienced instructors. The CISSP certification is a great career booster in cybersecurity.

The right course selection and proper study time by candidates enhance their chances of passing on the first attempt. Choosing the right course and dedicating the appropriate amount of time to studying ensures better results and a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles. With proper preparation, even sitting for the CISSP exam becomes easier, opening up new career opportunities.

As parents, many of us lose count of how many times we tell our kids ‘no’ in a day. From wanting to eat that bit of food off the floor, to constantly reaching for items they know they can’t have, kids love to push boundaries. In fact, it’s what they’re programmed to do as they explore the world around them!

Parents are the gatekeepers of this process, and it’s our responsibility to keep them safe. Hence why ‘no’ can become a catchphrase from toddler age to the teen years, and even beyond. Yet, there’s an emerging train of thought amongst some circles that suggests this overuse of those two letters could be doing more harm to our parenting efforts than good.

For one thing, using ‘no’ too often can cause our kids to switch off to our warnings, leaving them more at risk of unchecked dangerous behaviors. Some parenting experts also suggest that simple refusals, which are often given with no explanation, don’t offer the depth of learning that kids require to truly grow.

That’s not to say you should become a yes parent. Saying no certainly has its place in dangerous situations! However, it’s also true that education is almost always better than a blanket refusal. Approaching problems with a more constructive mindset can certainly instigate better outcomes, and we’re going to consider the reasons why in this article.

# 1 – Setting Clearer Boundaries

A lot of the problem with the word ‘no’ is the simple fact that it leaves no room for explanation or discussion. This phrase is uttered to put an end to a behavior, but it ultimately offers nothing constructive to stop your child from trying that behavior again as soon as you look away. These limitations can be frustrating for everyone involved, but there is a better option.

Rather than refusal, it can be more effective to think about the best ways to communicate clear boundaries around why a behavior isn’t advisable. Of course, it’s important to stop that behavior first, but then it’s worth talking about the risks of whatever a child was attempting to do, and the next step necessary to keep safe. For instance, ‘You can’t play with Mummy’s car keys because they’re sharp and might hurt you. I’m going to take them away so that you don’t cut your hand.’

This provides a clear outline of risks and outcomes, which a child is far more likely to remember moving forward than they are to recall a telling-off or blanket refusal that they don’t understand in the first place.

# 2 – Teaching Proper Skills

As well as reducing the prevalence of a certain behavior, leaning towards a more educational approach could also serve to teach children how to tackle a task with safety in mind. Admittedly this does depend on age, but age-appropriate teaching could lead to extra peace of mind for everyone involved.

For instance, instead of completely banning your child from using the family computer, it’s far more conducive to taking the time to teach about internet safety and the types of websites they can use without worry. Alternatively, if your older child is interested in helping in the kitchen, investing in things like age-suitable sets of knives, or working with them to learn hob safety, can have far better outcomes than telling them ‘no’ just because it’s your go-to.

This is true even as your child grows, and could include talking to your teen about safe driving rather than refusing their requests for lessons, or even teaching the use and safety tips required for tools like a chainsaw as necessary. That way, you can be sure that your teen knows how to protect themselves when they inevitably do what they want to do anyway.

# 3 – Encouraging Open Communication

Nothing can shut a conversation down faster than the word ‘no’. This is a roadblock in any negotiation, especially if you’re in the habit of saying it without actually listening or explaining yourself. As a result, there’s a high risk that your children will stop asking for your permission and will instead begin finding ways to engage in problematic behaviors without your knowledge, particularly once they reach their teen years.

By comparison, an educational approach is far more likely to open communication around things like why your child is interested in that activity, why you have doubts, and also when they can reasonably give it a try. This makes it more likely that you’ll both consider one another’s viewpoints, and arrive at an agreement that’s right for everyone, and it is more likely to see your child consulting with you about other issues moving forward.

# 4 – Instilling Confidence

If you’re always saying no to your child, they may start to hear this refusal as a clear message that they aren’t capable of making their own decisions or learning potentially difficult skills. This can be a huge knock to a child’s confidence in trying new things, especially if it continues throughout childhood.

Even if you don’t think they’re ready to do whatever they’re asking about, explaining why, and setting an age for which they could start learning about things, is key to ensuring they still feel capable, albeit not quite yet.

Equally, if your child is ready to safely learn skills like cooking with your help, giving them that opportunity can be a huge boost to their confidence, their sense of self, and the feeling that they have a supportive home life.

Conclusion

Parents have been saying no to their children for decades, and with younger kids especially, there will be times when you still need to set this non-negotiable boundary. Often, though, we offer outright refusal when education could be a better way to prevent our children from doing something or ensure their safety while they embark on a new pursuit. This may be a difficult switch to make, but next time you go to say ‘no’ to your family, think about whether there’s a lesson to be learned instead.

Field trips are one of the best parts of the school year. Ask any student, and they’ll tell you it’s a day they look forward to more than just about anything else. It’s a break from routine, a chance to get out of the classroom, and, in their minds, maybe even a free pass to hang out with friends.

For teachers, though? It’s a bit more complicated.

Behind every successful school outing is a mountain of planning. There are permission slips to collect, budgets to balance, and schedules to fine-tune. There’s the challenge of keeping students engaged so they actually learn something (rather than just treating the trip as an extended lunch break). And, of course, there’s the ever-present concern of losing track of a kid somewhere between the museum entrance and the gift shop.

Pre-Trip Engagement: Set the Stage for Excitement

Most field trips go one of two ways. Either students arrive clueless, treating the day as an excuse to roam around aimlessly, or they show up with some background knowledge and get the most out of it. The difference? Preparation.

One of the best ways to get students engaged before a field trip is to assign mini-research projects related to the destination. If you’re heading to a zoo, have students research specific animals and share fun facts with the class. Going to an art museum? Assign artists or movements for them to explore. A historical site? Let students dig into the events that shaped its significance.

When students arrive at the destination with some context, they naturally become more curious. They ask better questions. They see connections. And most importantly, they feel like they’re a part of the experience rather than just being led through it.

On-Site Learning: Make It Interactive

No matter how interesting a destination is, students will eventually tune out if they’re just listening to a tour guide drone on. The solution? Get them actively involved.

A structured scavenger hunt can work wonders. Instead of passively walking through a museum, challenge students to find a specific artifact, decode a piece of information, or identify an artist’s signature style. At a science center, they can track down different physics concepts in action. This adds a layer of competition and keeps them engaged.

Reflection journals are another great tool. Encourage students to jot down their thoughts, sketch what they see, or write questions that come to mind. A simple “What surprised me today?” prompt can make a big difference in helping them process what they learn.

If you’re working with younger students, buddy systems help ensure they stay engaged while also keeping an eye on one another. There’s nothing worse than a student disappearing into the butterfly exhibit when they’re supposed to be listening to the guide.

Logistics for Teachers: The Art of Not Losing Your Mind

A successful field trip is 50% education and 50% organization. Here are a few tricks to keep the chaos to a minimum:

• Permission Slips, But Smarter

No more chasing down crumpled forms at the last minute. Digital permission slips (using Google Forms or school apps) can save a ton of hassle. Plus, electronic signatures make life easier for parents.

• Budgeting Without the Stress

Money always complicates things. To avoid last-minute scrambles, collect trip fees early and set a firm deadline. For schools with tight budgets, reach out to local businesses or parent-teacher organizations for sponsorships—many are happy to support educational experiences.

• Safety First, Always

Field trips can be unpredictable. Make sure to set clear safety protocols and have an emergency plan in place. Assign chaperones to small groups, carry a first-aid kit, and make sure every student has a contact card with their guardian’s information. If you’re visiting a crowded venue, wristbands with the school’s contact number can be a lifesaver.

Keeping Students Hands-Free: The Power of Luggage Storage

A little-known but game-changing trick? Partnering with venues that offer luggage storage. Many museums, zoos, and attractions provide secure spots where students can store their backpacks so they’re not weighed down during the trip.

Imagine a trip to Manchester where a group of students is lugging around heavy bags full of lunch boxes, water bottles, and extra layers. Not ideal. Some schools have started coordinating with luggage storage facilities to stash bags securely while students explore hands-free. This small detail makes a huge difference—it keeps students focused on the experience rather than fumbling with their belongings.

Post-Trip Debriefs: Turning Experiences into Learning

A field trip shouldn’t end when the bus pulls back into the school parking lot. The best way to solidify what students have learned is to reflect on it.

• Creative Expression

Ask students to create something inspired by their trip. This could be an art piece, a short story, or even a comic strip. A student who visited a history museum might illustrate a scene from a historical battle. Someone who went to an aquarium might write a story from the perspective of a sea turtle.

• Debates & Discussions

Host a class discussion or mini-debate. What did students find most surprising? What did they disagree with? If you visited a historical site, did they feel the representation of history was fair? Encouraging critical thinking makes the trip more meaningful.

• STEM-Based Follow-Ups

For science-related trips, students can design their own experiments based on what they learned. A visit to a botanical garden? Have them plant their own mini-gardens. A trip to a space exhibit? Challenge them to create models of the solar system.

• Digital Storytelling

Let students put together short video recaps, podcasts, or blog posts about their experience. Not only is this fun, but it also builds digital literacy skills (and helps counteract the negative effects of cyberbullying by encouraging positive online content creation).

Final Thought: Field Trips Done Right

Field trips should be one of the highlights of the school year—not a stressful mess of lost lunchboxes and permission slip nightmares. With a bit of planning, a strong educational foundation, and a focus on engagement, they can become transformative experiences that stick with students long after the school bell rings.

So, next time you’re planning a school outing, think beyond the basics. Make it interactive, use smart logistics, and ensure students walk away not just entertained but truly enriched. Because the best field trips don’t just take students somewhere—they take their learning to a whole new level.