As a Native American, I most definitely find circles to be the ultimate class arrangement; linear tables with other students having their back to you (if you sit toward the back in a "standard" classroom) goes against every grain in my body - it just doesn't feel right.
As an adjunct, I do teach one of my classes in a room where there are huge, long tables that are in rows and not really movable - so I improvise and have students sit in groups as much as possible, thereby keeping the face-to-face interaction in play to a certain extent.
Your ideas on posters, too, Mable, is excellent. It is nice to have relevant material for the mind to wander to...
I use a combination of lecture, case studies and group activities. I feel I have a better learning environment versus 100% lecture. the students are engaged and hands on.
Hi Brad,
The use of different delivery methods are what keeps the students interested and engaged. You plan has all of these components factored in as you present the content.
Gary
The learning environment must be conducive to learning. Limiting distraction is a good start. Next, keeping the students' attention by using creative distraction is extremely neccessary for long class. Keep changing your teaching styles during each class. Have a variety or lecture styles interupted by activities and studio or lab time.
Hi Aaron,
You are right about making the learning environment match the work environment if at all possible. This helps to make it "real" for the students as they progress through their courses.
Gary
I think the environment they learn in should feel as much like the job field their training for. When they show up for work the first day it shouldn't be a shock. Being used to the environment already will allow the showcase what they have learned not what they haven't.
It is imperative to have a good learning environment! Not only is it good to have the classroom aesthetically well designed but the temperature of the room must be considered. If it is to hot, the students will fall asleep and if it is too cold they will be thinking of how long they will have to suffer the cold or why they didn't bring a sweater with them.
Learning environments, using the definition as a physical space, affect communication by their shape. A lecture hall is naturally built in a way that small group instruction awkward. Different groupings of seating and writing areas create different communication patterns. I teach in a tiered room, and my groups have to be no more than 4 people in order to all be able to sit together.
One way to adapt is to move around oneself during any lecture time, so that the focus isn't static and whatever the space is like, you are in focus for everyone at least part of the time.
I think that the learning environment is critical to the learning. One of my favorite quotes is "Everything speaks, everything, always" I try to convey this to the students as well as my peers
Hi Katrina,
Right you are about the seating arrangements and the impact they can have on the dynamics of the class. I use the horseshoe seating arrangement in my classes and this way every student is on the front row and this really draws them into the discussions, even the shy ones.
Gary
I think that this can be very basic such as having enough light, not too cold or hot, and room design. I know you are not always in a classroom that allows you to change the desk/seating arrangements, but I have found that small circles or a U-shape of tables helps facilate conversation and shows openness. Its amazing how much this small change can alter the "feeling" of a class and helps in the instructional process.
Hi Nicole,
I teach in a similar situation. My classes run three hours in a windowless classroom with uncomfortable deskchairs. I have to work very hard to keep the class moving forward and the students staying engaged. The fun part is that I get to be creative on how best to do all of the instructional delivery. Each class is a new adventure and this keeps me from ever getting bored. I hope it is the same with your teaching.
Gary
I feel that the environment plays a huge role in effecting the learning of students. I teach a 1 1/2 hour-long class which is a challenge to cover all of the required material. So, I need to maximize my time and the classroom technology is essential in accomplishing this goal. Computers, projectors, and DVD should be available to help the instructor deliver the material in a multi-dimensional way. I teach in a classroom without windows,and this also has a negative impact on attention-spans. Even with these deficits, I try to present the material in a creative, stimulating manner to offset the obstacles.
Hi Matthew,
The very things that makes an individual successful in a career can challenge them when they are learning about that career. With many of your students as sight learners you are in need of developing instructional pathways that will enable them to learn in such a way. From your description of how you approach the classroom/lab/kitchen you are doing just that. The key is to customize and I can tell you have developed a lot of skills in this area as evidenced by how you are providing your instruction.
Gary
My learning enviroment includes classroom and kitchen (lab). We are a culinary school. The enviroment can sometimes be enhanced by posters (meat fabrication), or we do a dining room class which may need props, or we use Powerpoint in a lecture to show pictures associated with the text. In the kitchen, we do demos right in front of a group to illustrate techniques.
Many chef's are sight learners, reading and writing essays are not their strong area, although still needed, so we try to get them from all angles, before entering the lab. Adapting each course, and adding in props to illustrate concepts effects more students than just handing them a textbook, recipes, and heading to the kitchen.
Hi David,
You have shared a balanced approach to providing a supportive and motivating learning environment to and for your students. By being aware of all of these components your students will see that you are dedicated to providing them the maximum learning opportunities.
Gary
Hi John,
You have shared in my opinion a great balance between the sharing of content and the application of that content. Ways of allowing students to immediately use newly acquired knowledge is critical. You strategy enables that to occur at many different points. Great job.
Gary
The environment can facilitate learning by being comfortable and user-friendly in terms of aids and resources. We can arrange seating for maximum attention or group focus; move screens or poster/charts to make them more visible; adjust lighting, window openings and door positions to keep comfortable in terms of temperature and lighting; we can foster mutual respect, paying attention and participation to mediate the subjective atmosphere.
The learning environment plays an important role in the instructional process in that it can affect the student in a very positive way if it facilitates the learning process by supporting that process by having resources which support the student in ways that the student needs would dictate.
The learning environment can be adapted to maximize the instruction process by having tools that the student would need such as a supportive library with excellent resources and staff to facilitate the learning experience, a learning center to facilitate tutoring when a student needed additional help to facilate the learning process, and staff to help guide students when they need help and direction in their educational journey.
The learning environment can play a huge roll in the instructional process. I know that if students are too hot or too cold, they will not be able to pay attention. Lighting can be a factor as well. Environmental factors can be a challenge because the temperature or lighting preferences of each individual can be so different.
