Creating an effective learning environment for the African child

 A goal we passionately want to accomplish is the betterment of the educational system in Africa, we want our kids to be better at learning and to have a desire for knowledge and innovation. 

 One of the ways we can do that is by creating a learning environment that is good for the African child, just like any other child around the world. After researching on the internet and also from my personal experience in the classroom, here are some of the ways I believe can help In creating a learning environment that helps our children:

1. Address the needs of the student: Students just like adults have not only physical needs but psychological needs also, psychological needs like love and belonging, acceptance, freedom and novelty, and fun. When teachers help their students with these needs then learning becomes easier for them.

2. Safety: We know that in war-ridden nations education is very low because the lives that should be learning are being threatened but I’m not just talking about that type of safety. I’m talking about emotional safety, the classroom should be a judgment-free zone. Children should know that they are free from emotional abuse and shame, even if they don’t get the question right, they can always try again instead of being shamed. In that environment, they can feel safe to learn and be confident. 

3. Proper student and teacher interaction: Both student and teacher need to have a healthy and good relationship. If a child dislikes the teacher that child will struggle with the subject the teacher teaches. If the teacher also does not like his students then it will be difficult for him or her to help the students progress academically.

4. Understanding the diversity of the students: People are different, the world is very vast and variety they say “is the spice of life”, It’s the same thing with students. Understand that they are different, one learning faster than others doesn’t make the rest idiots and there will be some that learn slower than others. Instead of comparing and judging them based on their learning abilities, it would be better to work with them at the level they are, so they can grow to learn faster. 

5. Be positive: Nothing thrives under negativity. Students need a positive atmosphere around them, an optimistic and cheerful environment will help them enjoy the learning and the building process.