For the Pure Joy of Education

Pure joy. This week I saw it on the faces of many of our students enjoying the annual UTS festivity of student fun known as House Island Day. Taking the ferry to Centre Island really creates the sensation of leaving the city and school behind. For one day, thoughts of exams and schoolwork receded and our students had a chance to just be. With many sporting the vibrant House colours of red, green, blue and yellow, they jubilantly took part in arts and crafts, played beach volleyball and chess, danced and spent quality time in the fresh air with their classmates. This day, perhaps more than any other of the year, provides students with memories that last a lifetime.

During this fast-paced time of the year, moments like these matter. A step back can be a step forward. A break can give a boost that enhances overall performance. Relaxation helps students learn smarter and better. 

Neurologist and educator Judy Willis wrote in her article, the Neuroscience of Joyful Education: “When students are engaged and motivated and feel minimal stress, information flows freely through the affective filter in the amygdala and they achieve higher levels of cognition, make connections, and experience ‘aha’ moments. Such learning comes not from quiet classrooms and directed lectures, but from classrooms with an atmosphere of exuberant discovery.”

I love the idea of exuberant discovery – that eureka moment of learning when new concepts and ideas suddenly make sense, when effort and focus crystalize into greater understanding and skill. The joy of conquering something new is the greatest reward that learning can bring. 

As we move into exam week with a Toronto Transit Commission strike looming, I hope we remember that learning is a joy within itself, and all of our students have learned so much this year, which is why we are here.

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