Depending on the material being covered I feel it is imporatnt to make the learning environment as interactive as possible while not letting things get out of control. In a production class, a balance between short instructor demos followed by student production provides the students an opportunity to put what they see to use in a way which will provide immediate utilization of instructional material.
Hi Robert,
Good points all. Each component contributes to the success of the class. Instruction involves social, physical and cognitive effort. These three elements needs to be supported through an understanding of the learning environment and the impact it has on student focused learning.
Gary
If the enviroment is modern and well lit, it allows the students to be more focused on what is being taught. Not having good lighting and room needing repair or paint leads studnets to thik less of the school and experience asys they learn less or pay less attention.
The physical classroom is a key element in the learning environment. Is it an appropriate size to accommodate the number of students enrolled in the class? Is the temperature comfortable? What about the lighting level? Is there an ambient noise level that will distract the students?
The instructor is another critical element in the learning environment. Have the course materials been assembled and prepared so the students clearly know what to expect, how they will be evaluated, when specific assignments will be required? Is the balance of discipline and open discussion maintained?
Hi Ernest,
Correct you are, but in today's culture the ambiance is a essential part of what we are about in instruction. We need to do all that we can to make the learning environment comfortable and supportive so the questions being asked can be reflected upon in the same manner as Socrates.
Gary
Of course the environment is important, but it was the question that Socrates asked not the ambiance.
Hi John,
You make a number of very good points that other instructors can benefit from. You are right on about needing to be open and honest with your students so they can see you as a dedicated professional educator that respects them and is striving to promote their success in achieving their career goals.
Gary
Hi Lou,
You are right about needing to make our classes as "real" as possible. This will help our students to see what is ahead of them and how they are going to fit into such situations.
Gary
Effective learning environment effect can only be well established in class when students feel respected and accepted by the teacher. You get more out of your students when they sense that the teacher values their effort. Learning environment can become a school of gladiators in a survival competition when a teacher puts his/her students’ strength in categories. You may end up leaving the not so strong students behind. So, it is very important to respect, accept and inspire your students equally. I am also always honest and open minded with my students.
Our learning environments are part of the process. I think that if we can approach mise en place, and prep work in a similar fashion to what students can expect in a "live" kitchen, that we would be giving relevance to what we are doing in school.
I agree with what many of my colleagues have posted here. Using humor is important to the environment of the class. You want your classroom to be a place that your students to enjoy coming to. Also, I agree that we must be perceptive to the students needs, particularly in the longer 3 or 4 hour class settings. Also, making sure the temperature in the room is not uncomfortable for the students is important as well. If the room is too hot or too cold it may distract them from the learning process.
Hi Matt,
You got it! Student centered learning. Sometimes this is forgotten in the rush to get everything done. We need to stop, think and visualize just how the students fits into all that we do.
Gary
Hi David,
Good idea. We do need to see our classrooms and labs through the eyes of our students. It is like the experiment where a piece of paper was put on the floor in the middle of a hallway at a school. The students walked around the paper for several days and got used to the paper being there. No one picked it up since they had gotten used to it being there, even though it was out of place. By seeing as students see it we can change the things that may be distracting the students from maximum learning.
Gary
Important role, if the environment is not inviting students will not want to be involved.
If the students are cold or hot they concentrate on the conditions not the information.
the environment must be welcoming and comfortable.
the room needs to be bright and cheerful, the temp needs to be neutral, the chairs need to be comfortable, the instructor needs to be human.
The focus of the class needs to be the student not the instructor.
The learning environment is crucial to successful learning. To be uncomfortable (i.e. cold, too hot, etc.) distracts from the learning process, to be unaware of the course expectations or surprised by additional course expectations is distracting and to be confronted with a textbook that is not user friendly is truly objectionable! All lessons learned through years of teaching adult learners. I hear the most about the physical environment!
Students need to be comfortable and feel secure in the environment to minimize distractions and stay focused. Instructors can visualize themselves as a student and by sitting at the desks and imagining the learning process unfolding, may find new positions for screens, change the arrangement of seating or reconfigure other aids such as charts or equipment.
The learning environment is critical. Any distractions/inconsistencies in the environment is going to have a negative impact on the students/learning.
A balance between a non-distracting environment and a place where the students feel welcome is ideal.
Hi Pierre,
You are right about how important the first impression is for students. By being organized and ready to teach you will be modeling behavior that is professional and conducive to students being excited about the course.
Gary
Hi Michelle,
The Chef gave you some great advice and I commend you for following this advice. I know your students benefit from you seeing the environment through their eyes.
Gary
Hi Daniel,
These are some of the challenges that we have to face as instructors. Sounds like you are doing the best you can under the circumstances. I hope you get assigned to a classroom that fits your needs in the not to distant future.
Gary
