Tammie,
Yes it will. This is why instructors need to see the classroom or lab through the eyes of the students. This will help as instructional selection and delivery is completed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel the learning environment plays a large role in the instructional process. If the instructor is not equipped or does not have a good idea of what is going on it would have a negative effect on the instructional process.
Brandy,
This is such a tough environment for you to work in. Hopefully you can get your administration to listen to you and get the walls extended to the ceiling or at least put curtains up to block some of the noise. Not a lot you can do in a setting like this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Thomas,
Not sure how to answer this question because you are in such a tough spot. Is there a master switch to turn off all of the computers? This way you can use the computer lab as a lecture hall.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment is a huge factor in our career college facility. Our facility currently does not have walls that extend to the ceiling which can pose a huge distraction during lessons. It also causes games,simulations, etc to be less effective because of the attention to noise.
a nice quiet environment is always nice
It plays a very important role but what can I do when I am given a computer lab to teach a course having nothing to do with computers, thus allowing students to hide behind the computer screen, pass notes, text friends and in some cases, turn on the computer and check the internet when I am not looking?
Mamadou,
Having done extensive work in developing countries to establish schools for children I know exactly what you are talking about. The impact of having one textbook for every two children is considered a wonderful gift. Desks are just wooden planks and the chalkboard is a slab of wood painted black. The children thought these simple educational supports were wonderful and they were so thankful for having them. These kids understand the value of being able to read and write and how education will help create a future for them. We have so many wonderful educational opportunities in this country and sometimes I know we don't appreciate them like we should.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do not want to ennoy this forum with personal experiences that the average american instructor cannot even relate to, but this is relevent to make the case for learning environment.
In 1969, our classroom received the first 8 desks ever, coutesy of a french charity. 4 of us shared a desk (desk were designed for 2 spupils).
I do not know exactely how to explain this,but litterally lifting us from the floor made us work even harder, made smart!
Kimberly,
The more you can replicate the real world for a career area the better. This will ease the transition of students from the school setting to the real world setting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sara,
Good point and one we need to remember as we approach the classroom or lab. Are we seeing the setting through the eyes of our students is the question we need to ask ourselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In teachin Dental Assisting it helps that the lab is set up as an actual dental office. It helps the students get the feel of being in an office and prepares them for there externship.
The environment plays an enormous part in the instructional process. I teach in a culinary school and we do a lot of instruction in a kitchen setting. If there is a lot of activity, instructional time needs to slow down a bit in order for the student to focus on the task at hand. When we are in the lab, focus tends to be a bit more on point.
Gene,
Yes a supportive environment is required to enhance learning for students. We need to see our teaching environment through the eyes of our students and when we do we will strive to make the setting a professional one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment plays a huge role. The way the classroom looks and feels communicates many things to our students, our commitment to quality and our expectations of their participation are two that come to mind. I teach casino gaming and know that the amount of energy spent on the details, pays dividends in achieving detailed oriented performance.
Margaret,
I would assign the students different topics to report on. With six students you could have each student report a type or method of research that is relevant to the course. For example someone would research and report on using a case study approach or structured interview method. Any type of research that would get them looking at what role research plays in the advancement of a field. Help them to take a personal interest in what is being studied.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Frank,
You make a very good point about the type of environment in which the students are located and what the expectations are when in those environments. The students need to learn what the distinction is and how to react within each.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Michael,
I think this is such a valuable way for your students to see the real world in which they are going to enter very shortly. The more of these types of opportunities the easier their transition will be into the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have only 6 students in my class which is a research class. I have asked for a class with computers to enhance to environments, do you have any ideas on how to enhance it anymore to help make it a better learning experience
I agree with a previous post concerning developing an environment that stimulates the student by immersing them in surroundings that in effect are real world.
The learning in our environments benefits students by providing a simulated real world application. This gives the student an improved sense of being, direction, and operation concerning the course of study. In return, this also better facilitates the transition of the student from school to work.
However, I also feel that there should not be a confusion between the facts that the learning environment is for learning while the work environment is for work.
