Chill Out Class

Learn to have fun, have fun to learn

Unlike many international schools offering secondary level education, Global Oak Tree Scholars (GOTS) does things differently.

One example is its Chill Out class – a fun, interactive way to break the monotony of studying.

Comprising activities such as speech and drama, taekwondo, ballet, Taiko drums and hip-hop dance among others, these mini-breaks occur midway through a school day.

It is planned to reinvigorate the scholars and to give them a chance to relax, have fun and break a sweat before resuming their studies.

“At GOTS, our philosophy is to have fun while learning. When you are relaxed, you can study better.

“By injecting fun elements, we are giving the scholars some breathing space before they continue their studies.

“This makes it easier for them to absorb the lessons.”

Many studies have shown having fun can increase a person’s capacity to learn.

Judy Wills, a neurologist who authored the book ‘Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights from a Neurologist and Classroom Teacher’ penned that fun experiences increase levels of dopamine, endorphins, and oxygen – all of which promote learning.

Willis also said any pleasurable activity used as a brief break can give the amygdala a chance to cool down and the neurotransmitters time to rebuild. The amygdala is one of two almond-shaped groups of nuclei located deep and medially within the temporal lobes of the brain.

Neurotransmitter systems can in some way influence learning and memory.

As such, while GOTS’ teaching style may seem unconventional to some, there is a specific, rational purpose for it.

To learn more about GOTS, visit https://www.gots.edu.my/secondary/