The Positive Cognitive Environment

Definition

Teachers can use cognitive learning strategies to create a great learning environment for their students. Providing a peaceful and informative classroom environment that helps make students feel confident in learning.

Well-designed physical spaces

Organized different interest areas in the classroom

Are there spaces for spaces for:

  • large group work
  • small group
  • individual work

Are there areas for:

  • quite work
  • loud work?

Nurturing Competence

Providing brain breaks

Scaffolding new learning

Setting realistic teaching and learning goals

Activating prior knowledge before introducing concepts

Asking students to discuss prior knowledge using ‘think-pair-share’

Doing quick recap activities to begin a lesson

Asking student to write a paragraph to show what they already know

Teacher led questioning on prior concepts

Nurturing Autonomy

Create activities that give students some control over what they are learning

Provide students with opportunities to choose tasks consistent with personal goals and interests

Negotiate learning goals with students

Increase student decision-making about how they are assessed

Facilitate inquiry-based learning opportunities