Hi Rosemary,
Your sharing of the story about noise at the bench is a great example to share with students. It shows a real world connection so the students will know the reason behind your policy of quiet at the bench. When they have an understanding about a class policy the compliance is much greater.
Gary
The shop should have the tools, equipment and curriculum necessary to provide the students with the skills and confidence needed to enter their chosen field. I believe it's the schools responsibility to provide a physically safe environment, and the instructors responsibility to provide a supportive but realistic approach to teaching the skills needed in the real world. Our jewelry program requires the students to be very focused at their benches for both safety and skill reasons so we want to have a quiet, professional atmosphere in the shop without it being overbearing, that can be quite a balancing act. I've had a student who rented bench space somewhere else during summer break say to me "now I understand why you ask students to be quiet at the bench, it was so noisy at that place I couldn't stay focused and get anything done." I tell all my new students that story.
Probably the biggest. A while ago (not now), I was on a campus that did not keep the place safe. It was impossible to teach there... students could not focus on their academics. Sad.
It is important that the student knows how the learning experience is to be accomplished - lecture, overhead, powerpoint. Most of the classes I instruct have small student numbers, so discussion, question/answer is effective in passing the theoretical information, while keeping engagement. I also like to have the students teach application problems. It helps their public speaking skills as well as the ability to convey information that they have learned to other students.
The learning environment plays a very important role. I try to make the classroom labs as realistic as possible to help fascilitate real world comprehension by the students.
Hi Robb,
Your last sentence really captures what has to happen in the classroom. If there is not mutual respect between students and instructor it is going to be a very long course. By having this respect as you well know then everyone can be forward focused and ready to work together on mutual goals.
Gary
It is extremely important to have the proper environment to show proper examples and have the right tools to demonstrate to the different learnign styles
I am an adjunct instructor, and the classroom I use is not mine alone. It is bland, dull, uninviting and unexciting. If it were my room, I would post more useful career information and some colorful motivational posters. The desks are tables that hold 2 students, a setup that I dislike because it encourages private discussions while I am lecturing. All in all, I find that this particular environment forces me to adjust my methods - occasionally I have to say something outrageous or untrue to get students' attention or make them stop talking amongst themselves.
The learning environment is of the utmost importance when teaching a skill based curriculum. The classroom/lab must not only be physically ready to allow the student the maximum opportunity to practice, it must be a non-judgmental atmosphere.
Students cannot learn skills in a classroom environment if they are afraid of failing in front of others or being ridiculed for making a mistake. The instructor and the class must always operate in a state of total mutual respect for everyone's learning capacity.
The learning environment should be created with the student in mind as the primary focus. The student should feel safe and a sense of security. The student should be able to identify what direction the course will follow and specifics as to what is required at what level in order to accomplish the objectives of the course.
It plays an important role. Students need to feel comfortable in the classroom. For some students this is their saftey zone. When they feel at home and can relax they tend to concentrate better.
I agree with you,and I feel that this is one of the reasons why it is so important to continue to develop your teaching plan as you get to know your class.
It helps the students mine frame. As well as the instructor delivery of his/her lecture.
A very big and important role. Nothing beats hands on experience. Having the proper equipment that works is key. It gives the student confidence and a safe place to practice their skills.
I think that the learning environment should include as many real-world applications as possible. This will help students be better prepared for some of the problems, or other factors not necessarily discussed in the subject material that will have to be accounted for.
The learning environment plays a vital role in the learning process. A well organized and professional setting will set the tone for a condusive learning environment.
A comfortable learning environment is crucial in helping the students retain the information that's delivered and discussed. Comfort includes physical comforts like an appropriate temperature, regulation of ambient noises, enough space in between desks and view of the instructor as well as nonphysical comforts like being comfortable contributing in class, asking questions, and participating in group work.
The learning environment is extremely important to the student experience. Students should be comfortable in the learning environment and have confidence that everything needed for instruction will be provided.
Yes I like it. It's also as effective to where the practical application is "free" in terms of pass or fail mentality. Strict adherence to time management as well and freedom of expression/participation/encouragement.
I teach in the creative arts, and I believe the learning environment has a lot to do with what I bring to the room. If I'm excited about something I saw or participated in over the weekend, the students are excited too. If I let them know I was thinking about them and our next class activity, they are more eager to hear what the task may be. If I bring something special to class or show them a new website about the subject we are covering, they tend to find websites to share as well. I used to think this was a "meet me halfway" mindset, but the extent that the students respond to this is much further than I ever expect. I need only have to take a step toward them and they are all too happy to share much in return. This always creates a trusting and open environment in my classes.
