In this article, Head of Pastoral Care, Larisa Mîrza, reflects on the merits of implementing the behaviour for learning model at Heritage International School.
The Behaviour for Learning (BfL) method has become more important in the ever-changing field of international education as a means of better comprehending and shaping the behaviour of children and young adults.
According to Ellis and Tod (2009:54), "three relationships that underpin the promotion of behaviour for learning" are one's connection with oneself, one's relationship with others, and one's relationship with the curriculum. While the focus of this framework is on the interactions between students, it may be useful for teachers and administrators as well.
Engagement
In every classroom situation, student engagement is the key ingredient for successful learning. Since students at international schools come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, it is essential to take a holistic approach to encouraging participation. In order to appeal to as wide a range of students as possible, Cambridge Curriculum at Heritage International School is designed to include topics and approaches that connect with their individual backgrounds and perspectives.
In order to keep students engaged, we encourage interactive and immersive learning strategies. Teachers work hard to make their classrooms places where students are more than just users of information; they are also active participants in the learning process via activities like group projects, real-world case studies, and multimedia presentations. Heritage International School fosters active learning by providing students with more opportunities to participate in class.
Collaboration
Students in international schools benefit from a rare chance to work with classmates from a wide range of cultural backgrounds because of the school's role as a cultural melting pot. The Behaviour for Learning strategy puts an emphasis on working together to foster mutual respect and cooperation among students of different cultural backgrounds.
Collaborative learning is emphasised via class assignments, research projects, and celebrations of cultural diversity that bring students together. Not only can these activities improve students' ability to study in the classroom, but they also help them develop the social abilities necessary to succeed in today's interconnected society. Students develop an appreciation for differences, improved communication skills, and the ability to share resources by working towards common objectives.
Participation
Active engagement in the learning process is what we mean when we talk about participation, not just showing up to class. Given the diversity of thought that students bring to international schools, it is essential that all students feel welcome that their opinions are heard. Teachers regularly encourage students to voice their opinions, ask questions, and participate in class discussions.
Students with a wide range of preferred learning styles are able to actively engage in class via the use of a variety of approaches, such as debates, simulations, and interactive workshops. This all-encompassing method not only improves education, but also fosters a feeling of acceptance and responsibility for one's own education.
Communication
In today's globally interdependent society, the ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Strong communication skills are emphasised in international schools because of the need to communicate across language and cultural differences. Curriculum pillars include language instruction, communication skill development, and intercultural exchange.
International schools teach students to think critically and communicate effectively across cultures, not only in their native tongue. Students develop skills in effective communication that go beyond language and cultural barriers, such as speaking effectively, listening attentively, and expressing complex ideas. Students need these abilities not simply to succeed academically but also to be able to communicate effectively in international work environments.
Motivation:
Sustained learning and success are powered by intrinsic motivation. It is especially important to foster intrinsic motivation among children attending foreign schools, where they may have to deal with the stresses of learning a new language and academic system. The classes are structured so that students may make direct connections between what they are studying and their everyday lives and future goals.
Motivating people requires recognising and appreciating their efforts in a variety of areas, including academics, the arts, and extracurricular activities. By highlighting individual achievements, international schools create an atmosphere where students are encouraged to strive not just for external validation but for the love of learning and personal progress.
Independent Work
Self-directed learning and independence are complementary competencies. International schools promote the development of independent thinking and initiative. Students are given the freedom to pursue areas of interest and strengthen their critical thinking abilities via projects, research, and self-directed learning opportunities.
When students are given opportunities to work on their own, it not only gives them a taste of independence, but it also helps them be ready for the more self-directed learning and working environments they'll encounter in college and beyond. Heritage International School empowers students to adapt to a rapidly evolving global environment by encouraging them to think critically and creatively on their own.
Responsiveness
The Behaviour for Learning methodology used in international schools places a strong emphasis on responsiveness. Teachers are sensitive to each student's unique background, learning style, and academic goals. Keeping up with the ever-changing pace of students' development requires a curriculum and instructional approach that can adapt and grow with them.
In addition to caring about their academic success, teachers here also care about their students' social, emotional, and cultural development. In order to assist students that deal with the challenges of relocating, Heritage International School provides counseling services and cultural sensitivity classes. Our school provides students with the tools they need to succeed academically and personally by promoting a culture of responsive education.
Self-Respect and Self-Esteem:
In order to grow as whole people, students must work on improving their sense of self-worth and self-respect. Programmes aiming at boosting self-confidence and resilience are prioritised in foreign schools where children may struggle with cultural changes and differing scholastic expectations.
Positive self-perception may be fostered by the recognition and celebration of a wide range of accomplishments, both academic and otherwise. International schools provide children with the courage to face obstacles head-on by fostering a sense of self-worth and self-regard, whereby they recognise and value their own characteristics.
Accountability
The Behaviour for Learning strategy relies heavily on instilling a feeling of personal accountability. Responsibility for one's own academic performance, attendance, and conduct is highly valued in international schools. By encouraging students to take personal responsibility, such schools better equip them to handle the rigours of higher education and the workplace.
Beyond individual accountability, international schools also emphasise global citizenship and societal duty. Volunteering, cultural immersion, and environmental improvement programmes all foster a feeling of responsibility towards society at large. By fostering responsibility, international schools enable students to be engaged participants to a global community.
In conclusion, the Behaviour for Learning strategy used by international schools is an integrative and innovative method of teaching and learning. These educational institutions push the boundaries of what is considered "normal" in terms of education by putting an emphasis on things like student interest, group work, involvement, communication, motivation, individual initiative, responsiveness, sense of self, and sense of responsibility. They are fostering people who not only achieve intellectually but also have the cultural awareness, interpersonal skills, and resiliency to succeed in today's globalised, multiethnic society. By continuing to promote the Behaviour for Learning (BfL) method, international schools are doing more than simply preparing students for tests; they are preparing them for a future in which skills like flexibility, teamwork, and a global perspective will be essential to success.
A provocative question arises when we consider the many facets of the Behaviour for Learning approach in international schools: How can students be better prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the constantly changing global landscape by developing a holistic readiness for education that includes academic competence, cultural intelligence, and interpersonal skills?
- - - - - - - -
** Not registered yet? Create your free profile here and add a response below **
To share your story, thoughts or ideas with the ISN community, please send your article draft directly to our editorial team here, or email us at [email protected]