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The attitude to become a lifelong learner starts at a young age and having a teacher who is inspirational and encourages pupils to explore, debate and question is the first step towards having the right frame of mind.

Teachers are not just responsible for providing educational content but also for instilling the right qualities, desires and abilities in their pupils which will reach out into the real world and stand them in good stead through their adult life.

Some of the states of mind that a teacher can help their pupils to acquire are:

·         Active investigation. Pupils need to learn to initiate questioning when required and to do this requires them to have an attitude of active investigation. This includes locating, collecting and sorting information and reaching their own conclusion.

·         Critical thinking. One of the most crucial abilities, this provides children with the ability to analyse and synthesise information being presented. Rather than simply accepting opinions or information put forward, critical thinkers are able to make a judgement to see if it is useful, relevant and correct.

·         Self-directed learning. The motivation to seek out information is essential if a child is to become a lifelong learner. However to be stimulated to do this, the teacher has to identify the various learning styles of the pupils and know the best ways in which to help them make use of their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. The ability for pupils to use their own skills to plan and organise will be key to adopting the papersowl support.

·         Effective communication. Holding lots of information or thoughts is frustrating if you are not equipped with the means of being able to adequately communicate what’s on your mind. Experiencing collaborative lessons can help pupils practice how to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions and put forward ideas.

Rather than simply dispensing information, the role of a teacher has evolved to helping pupils develop the key skills to be able to source, research and identify their own solutions, both at an academic and personal level.

Lessons which take all of the above factors into account and focus on an interactive approach will help pupils become more receptive towards taking responsibility for their own learning, and once they do this, they can carry this attitude out of the classroom.

A great teacher can inspire pupils to reach not just their educational goals but the full potential in life which they are capable of