What helps students succeed in studies?

Tools alone won't help students in pursuing happiness in life, said experts during the Qudwa 2017 Global Teachers' Forum in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Speaking at a session themed 'Positively Successful: How (and Why) to Teach a Happy Class', Daniel Lerner, clinical instructor at New York University (NYU), focused on how teachers can use the building blocks of positive psychology to help students thrive.

"New teaching strategies are in the hands of teachers, and it is up to them to leverage these strategies to ensure student happiness and ultimately achieve success in the classroom," said Lerner, the co-author of the bestselling book U Thrive: How to Succeed in College (and Life).

"Happiness and success don't go together often as we would like, and succeeding from a financial perspective doesn't necessarily conclude happiness," added Learner, during his live session.

He also highlighted several methodologies on how to pursue happiness, well-being, and an environment for positive emotions to thrive. "Throughout workplaces, from schools to businesses, the effect of higher levels of positive emotions directly impact our happiness and overall sense of purpose."

In a different session: 'Meet the Mentor', Noura bint Mohamed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, highlighted the important roles of the teacher, technology, art and culture in ensuring creative thinking and high-quality education.

"The role of the teacher is significant, these people are serving the country and creating the leaders of the future. We have heard a lot about technology and science, and about reaching a point where robots replace the teacher. The main question is: what is the function of the teacher

"There is an emotional connection between teachers and students that robotics, or a screen or software, cannot achieve or allow.

"Ten years ago things were simpler. Now pupils might argue with teachers, as there is lots more information out there."

Source: Khaleej Times