Boosting Student Performance – The Kaizen Way - By Archana Roy, KIS Noida

As an educator, I’ve often seen students burdened with the pressure of achieving excellence

overnight. The truth is, learning isn’t a sprint—it’s a journey. Over the years, I’ve found

myself drawn to a beautifully simple yet transformative philosophy: Kaizen, the Japanese

art of continuous improvement through small, consistent steps.

Inspired by Dr. Robert Maurer’s “One Small Step Can Change Your Life”, I’ve beenincorporating Kaizen into my approach to student growth and performance. Thisphilosophy resonates deeply with me, not just as a teacher but as a lifelong learner myself.

Why Kaizen?

Because it’s human. It doesn’t demand massive change or unreachable goals. It invites us to

begin right where we are—with what we have—and gently move forward.

Here’s how I believe students (and even educators) can apply the Kaizen approach in everyday learning:

Ask Small Questions

When the syllabus looks vast and intimidating, I encourage students to start small. Instead

of “How will I score 95%?”, try asking, “What’s one concept I can understand better today?”

These small questions open the door to curiosity, without overwhelming the mind.

Think Small Thoughts

I often tell my students to visualize success. Picture yourself calmly writing an exam or

confidently solving a problem. These small mental rehearsals train the brain and build the

emotional readiness we often overlook.

Take Small Actions

Consistency beats intensity. Write a paragraph, revise a topic, or read one page. These tiny

efforts compound over time. Many students think they need hours to study effectively, but

even 15 focused minutes can lead to powerful momentum.

Solve Small Problems

It’s the little confusions that grow into big obstacles. I urge my students not to ignore

doubts, no matter how small. Clarifying a single line, asking a quick question, or re-reading a

tricky definition can make all the difference.

Bestow Small Rewards

Let’s not forget joy in the process! A song after a math problem, a sweet treat after finishing

homework—these small rewards create positive associations with learning. Motivation

doesn’t have to come from grades alone.

Identify Small Moments

We all experience guilt or regret from time to time. I remind students to reflect in those

quiet moments—“Do I need to change something?” These moments of self-awareness are

small but deeply powerful steps towards improvement.

The Magic of 1%

One of my favorite takeaways from Kaizen is the 1% rule: improve just a little each day.

Over time, this adds up to remarkable change. It’s not about radical transformation—it’s

about being just a little better than yesterday.

A Gentle Revolution in Learning

Kaizen is not just a technique—it’s a mindset. It allows students to break free from the fear

of failure and the pressure of perfection. It’s about valuing progress over perfection, effort

over outcome.

As a teacher, my mission is to help students grow not just academically, but emotionally and

personally. Kaizen offers a path that is sustainable, achievable, and deeply human.

Let’s celebrate the small wins. Because every giant leap starts with one small step.

“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.”

Ms. Archana Roy

TGT Mathematics

KIS, Noida

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