On 12 January 2026, educators from different wings of The Khaitan School—Ms. Shifa Nizami, Ms. Zara Hassan, Ms. Farheen Akhtar, and Ms. Shaily Aggarwal—participated in an enriching Workshop Masterclass titled “Teaching All Students How to Learn.” The session was led by renowned British educationist Mr. Leo David Thompson and was designed to empower teachers with a deeper understanding of the science of learning along with practical strategies to help students become effective, independent learners.
The workshop emphasized the importance of moving beyond traditional content delivery and encouraged educators to focus on cultivating reflective, motivated, and self-directed learners. A key framework introduced during the session was Edujuggle, which highlights the need to carefully balance critical elements of effective teaching—engagement, challenge, feedback, and reflection. Mr. Thompson explained that meaningful learning occurs when teachers consciously “juggle” these elements to meet the diverse needs of students in the classroom.
A significant portion of the session focused on metacognition, described as “thinking about one’s thinking.” Participants explored how guiding students to reflect on their learning processes can improve retention, deepen understanding, and enhance overall academic performance. Practical classroom strategies such as self-questioning, goal-setting, and reflective journaling were discussed as powerful tools to develop metacognitive awareness among learners.
The workshop also examined the Pygmalion Effect, highlighting how teacher expectations can profoundly influence student achievement. Mr. Thompson stressed that when educators maintain high expectations and consistently communicate belief in students’ potential, learners are more likely to display increased confidence, motivation, and performance. This reinforced the role of positive mindsets, encouragement, and constructive feedback in shaping successful learning outcomes.
Central to the masterclass was the concept of “Learning to Learn.” Rather than focusing solely on subject knowledge, the session underscored the importance of teaching transferable learning skills such as planning, monitoring progress, adapting strategies, and persevering through challenges. These competencies were presented as essential for lifelong learning in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Additionally, the session addressed and debunked common learning myths and misconceptions, including fixed learning styles, last-minute cramming, and the belief that intelligence is static. Research-backed practices such as spaced practice, retrieval practice, and productive struggle were highlighted as far more effective in promoting deep and lasting learning.
The masterclass concluded on a highly impactful note, encouraging educators to transition from traditional, teacher-centered methods to research-informed, learner-centric practices. The insights shared by Mr. Leo David Thompson offered valuable guidance in creating classrooms where students are taught not only what to learn, but more importantly, how to learn—aligning seamlessly with The Khaitan School’s commitment to holistic and future-ready education.
