Smart Schools and Quality Learning Environment

Abstract

Recent neurobiology and positive psychology support the Circle of Courage as the foundation of both parenting and schooling. No smart school can exist without experiencing smart learning. Smart learning extends beyond learning academic knowledge, to also include conceptual and psychosocial knowledge and skills. Due to the fact that learning mainly takes place in the limbic domain of the student's brain, especially young students; thus classroom environment that is based on interpersonal brain-circuit resonance is highly required for achieving quality learning. This is also why creating quality learning environment is the number one job of an effective teacher. Classroom management, that is based on creating the opportunities for students to fulfill their universal growth needs of: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity, not only creates quality learning environments, as well as helps students develop their psycho-social intelligence. The present research is a qualitative, conceptual study that seeks to link the knowledge of both the pedagogical and psychological fields. In this manuscript, the author aims to develop a model that builds upon the foundations of the Circle of Courage model, along with positive psychology to create a Quality Learning Environment (QLE) framework for positive teacher and school professional learning. The model could be also used by parents at home. By implementing the QLE; teachers will be capable of responding to the ‘inside’ student and not just react to the ‘outside’ behavior.