Lori,
A simple thing like lighting can make all the difference in the world to the students. Their attitudes change when they are perky and engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The type of environment is condusive to how students learn. If an environment is hostile a student may feel threaten and either will not come to class or may not participate. The environment should be one the promotes a positive learning experience. It should encourage the student to what to learn.
I am a massage therapy instructor and we have a clinic established so that our students can receive "real career training" and I believe that this is a very effective way to gain career knowlege.
I think the learning environment can help with the motivational portion if done properly. My program instruction is done in a laboratory setting that simulates a real hospital lab which helps the student to remember what the end goal of all their hard work will be, namely a career in a hospital laboratory.
We have recently opened the blinds that have covered the large bank of windows on one wall of our classroom. This made our classroom fell less like a dungeon We can always dim the overhead lights for slides.
Karen,
Good way to change up the environment as well as get the students engaged. This increases their focus and shows relevancy to the new information.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My goal is always to maximize learning. Sometimes this means I need to be upfront of the class, sometimes it means I pull chairs away from desks into a "communication" circle, to get better feedback. It depends on the course content and what would allow for optimum learning.
Jo,
Concrete items like the old code books really help to illustrate the value of the content you are teaching. It shows your students that their field is in constant movement and they are going to have to work to stay up to date or they will find themselves no longer competitive for employment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my class I have items that reflect some of the subject that I am covering, for instance I have old coding books from 1999 to 2012 this allows students to see how codes change each year. It is quite effective.
Nicole,
Yes, it is so the more hands on experiences they can get the better prepared and easier the transition to the workplace it will be for them. They will have both the technical as well as cognitive skills needed for success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment should to tailored to fit the course of study. If in a classroom or lab, the light, climate control and the demeanor of the instructor will have a positive or negative effect on the Learning Environment.
I teach nursing students. I feel that the learning environment is crucial, expecially during lab experiences. Learning to be a nurse is very much a hands on experience and the environment plays a crucial part in this.
Matthew,
I support this approach because we are preparing them to enter their chosen career field. The more we can assist them to transition into that field the quicker they will be advancing their career rather than just trying to adjust into their career.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In some disciplines, the environment should reflect wherever possible the actual surroundings seen in the field. This can be a challenge for the institution. Examples, lab environments should resemble as close as possible the lab functions of a Medical Center. Such I believe better prepares the student for the work.
I teach audio production and I use the same approach and it has worked extremely well. It is also very important I think that the students know the classroom is a safe place to make mistakes.
The learning environment is very important. It has to be encouraging to your students. It has to make your students want to learn. It has to make your students want to succeed. It has to make your students see what they will accomplish with their knowledge.
I teach medical assist to students who are in their twenties up to 45 years old. I am consciously aware of the big age gap but I try to encourage an environment where every one can feel included and worthy of speaking up and engaging as much as possible.
Tonya,
You make a number of very good points about the impact of the environment on learning. As you teach both skin care and relaxation you are reading the setting a an even higher level to make sure it is properly set to assist your students in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Environment plays a big role in learning. I like my classroom to be setup and decorated for the subject. I am an esthetics instructor, so my room has facial beds, facial machines, supplies, sinks , etc These are things that will be seen in every treatment room, no matter where they work. I also like to keep the wall colorings and lighting neutral and calm. As estheticians, we promote great skin and relaxation
Ron,
I think this is an essential part of instructional planning. By seeing through the eyes of our students we can understand their perceptions and then make any needed adjustments. By doing so we will be able to reduce distractions and increase engagement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
