I spend much time thinking about teaching and learning in classrooms.

But lately, one question I've been asking myself is this:

Why can't exams be based on the amount of happiness a student experiences

For a few reasons:

• Reason #1: When understanding and real learning take place, happiness and enjoyment also happen

• Reason #2: It is possible to measure happiness (by measuring flow states)

• Reason #3: It would solve many of the existing problems in our education system, create an engaging curriculum, and students will benefit and progress.

To wrestle with this question, I am doing a few things: experimenting with measuring happiness while learning, keeping a flow journal (happiness, joy and flow are interconnected) and learning more by reading as much as possible.

But I think it'll be a while before I come to any solid conclusion.

(And if you have a clear answer to this question, I'd love to hear from you.)