Learning How to Flow: Paving the Way for Lifelong Learning

Abstract

Classrooms set the seeds for lifelong learning. When students resist active participation in the classroom, this important channel is flagging and raising questions: Why do both students and teachers experience high levels of stress at school? How can we cultivate a self-motivated lifestyle and experience the exhilarating immersion of creative flow? Sixty years of extensive research highlighted the significance of motivation, particularly in cognitive performance. However, a systemic challenge persists: conventional teaching often is perceived as a passive destiny without an active learning experience. We therefore introduced our Starwalker initiative in order to shift conventional teaching into reflective and motivating schemes. This chapter delves into the convergence of emotional intelligence (EI) within a teacher’s professional development initiative by exploring variables such as flow, emotional intelligence, and self-efficacy. It illuminates the pivotal role of EI in enhancing student motivation and well-being. While addressing the issues of high dropout rates and disruptive behaviour, a transformative teaching style was favoured, grounded in an open-minded coaching mindset. A supportive and conducive learning environment was promoted by fostering personal experiences and recognising skills rooted in emotional intelligence. Besides highlighting the significance of comprehensive teacher training, it was supposed to cultivate a teacher habit that nurtures students’ EI, self-efficacy, and overall well-being.