We all learn more when we are having fun. Our amusement activity refers to games students play to amplify the appreciation of the lesson. For example, the Physics teacher can organise a game of musical chairs to help students understand the nature of the flow of electric current.

Singing refers to music. Music is a large part of most students’ lives, as many young people are often seen with their headphones or AirPods. For example, the Chemistry teacher might teach them the periodic table song to help them familiarise themselves with the basic elements.

A presentation is when students come to the front to deliver projects that they have prepared to demonstrate what they have learned from a specific topic. 

This component is second nature to our students and is often employed as it boosts confidence and develops public speaking skills.

At Aspiration International School, we promote group work and group discussions as the youth are increasingly estranged from each other while being ironically connected via their smart devices. 

We find that students today lack the skills to communicate effectively in person with group members, and therefore we encourage them to work together as a team. Group collaborations form the fabric of our learning culture.

Realia refers to objects or activities used to relate classroom teaching to real life. 

As much as possible, we encourage teachers to bring actual learning materials to the class. Instead of showing a video of the pericarp of a fruit, containing the endocarp, mesocarp, and exocarp, students are encouraged to bring the actual fruit. Instead of showing an image of the ancient Romans, students are encouraged to dress up like Romans.

Everyone loves a bit of drama, and here we celebrate this aspect of the performing arts to complement the lessons because the students are engaged in experiential learning. 

Instead of explaining the business transaction process to them, students can act out the entire process of marketing and sales pitching, leading up to the actual transaction.

We are preparing students, not for the economy of today or tomorrow, but for the next 10 to 20 years. The word on the street is that people will become increasingly dependent on technology. 

Every student at Aspiration International School is required to have a device, as machines are used not only in computing classes but also in the learning of many other subjects. Every student at Aspiration International School is, at the very least, able to create and edit videos—an essential skill today.

While most students learn better in a group, some learn better on their own. Independent learning is employed in the flipped classroom approach, where students are given the content to learn and immerse themselves in it at home. During lesson time, the class is used for activities to apply the knowledge learned.

It has been said that real learning happens outside the classroom, and we can see that students truly enjoy themselves when given the opportunity to escape the confines of the classroom. 

Building on this, we promote outdoor learning by ensuring there are excursions every term. At the very least, there are leadership camps, community service activities, and science practical days, where learning takes place beyond the classroom.

Everyone loves a good story. We all grew up listening to them, and “Once upon a time” is a phrase that grabs attention. Teachers are encouraged to present their lessons as stories whenever possible. 

This is easy when teaching History, but it’s also applicable to business principles and even Chemistry. For example, when teaching about deforestation in Geography, the teacher might share the story of actual families being displaced. The impact of the lesson will be far greater.