In my opinion the learning environment plays a major factor in the instructional process for both the students and the imstructor.
expecialy when starting a new group of student .
let's face it we all being there and we all know how nerve raquing can be when you are to meet your instructor/teacher for the first time, and imbarc on a learning jurny that for most of my student it means an oppurtunity of a career and a better life, in the other hand even as an instructor when a new group start all I can think of is: would they like me as a person first,or would I be able to gain theyir trust and confidence as I did with the last group...
I do prepair before student walk in the classroom and have a little ice-braking questions for the class to participate myself included.
but what does make the classroom environment comfortable and welcoming?
what would make a student feel "I have chosen the right place for my education".
Teaching theory and applicatiion is obviously essential, but keeping it real and true to life keeps students from going into shock when being released into the field.
The learning Environment should resemble real life work scenarios so the students can be prepared in the best possible way.
Hi Diana,
This is a simple point but very powerful. Often students become overwhelmed and just give up rather than seeking solutions to life challenges as they occur. Coping skills are a must for college students.
Gary
It is not always a perfect world so make the best of what you have.
The learning environment should be appropriate for the course. Yesterday, where I teach, I requested table clothes. My students will be painting a lot and I was in la ecture room with very nice carpet and spotless tables. The sink was also very far from the classroom. Fortunatly, the school moved my class to a more appropriate room.
The learning environment should be structured so that the students will know what to expect when they graduate, for example, the types of assignments they will be expected to complete in the work place, and how to complete them.
With career colleges the students want and need the learning enviroment to be as similar as possible to the workplaces that they will get hired into. They want the scenarios that they might run into on the job. I manage a clinic and take on interns all the time. I can not even count the number of times I hear,"I wish we would have practiced this in class." It gets them comfortable to go out into the work fields of their choice and gives them the skills to succeed.
The learning environment is very important! Comfort-wise, if the students are too hot, too cold, they won't be able to concentrate. If the room is too small, they will be crowded together. If the proper essentials aren't in the classroom, such as a blackboard or whiteboard, etc., then it would be very difficult for the instructor as well as the student. If you don't have a proper learning environment, it makes it very difficult for learning to even occur at all!
I believe the environment is a critical element in the instructional process. I am most effective when I have technology available and in working order, and having the freedom to move the class around when appropriate. Sometimes I like the class situated like a conference room because their input is as important as mine. Other times I like the classroom in a traditional formation for lecture. I also like to have the class move around physically whether it is to complete an activity or go to a computer lab. The movement keeps individuals more alert and stimulated.
The learning environment plays an instrumental role in the instructional process. I feel that the materials supplied in the environment should be standard as well as creative. The student should be able to look around the classroom to enhance their learning experience. For example, charts, posters etc
Having a similar work setting to the learning environment would be a great way for students to prepare themselves, but sometimes that environment isn't available. As long as they understand that a work setting is much different than a classroom setting (dealing with interruptions, work loads, etc) this environment would work!
In a mentoring role I would often come upon challenges that were difficult to meet given the environment in which I was attempting to provide instruction and guidance. This would often lead to developing innovative solutions to challenges that I believe not only accomodated the need at hand, but also demonstrated to the student that adapting to your environment and performing a task under less than ideal circumstances is sometimes a requirement as a professional.
Not every potential problem can be prepared for in advance. You will often have to make do with what you have and still be expected to perform your job in a comptetent manner. The hand you're dealt is only part of the game. How you play it is far more important. Take the opportunity to relate real life circumstances and the positive outcomes you were able to achieve despite the deck being stacked against you.
I have a saying that I like to share with students: Every problem is a solution waiting to happen.
Those that are able to find solutions with limited resources will be much more likely to be recognized for those efforts and achieve success.
Stress the importance of a positive attitude at all times, regardless of the challenges with which we are faced.
The learning environment must be relaxing and the student needs to feel comfortable. I relate the subjects to real life situations. Use a lot of visuals and get the students involved in proper discussion of the subject.
I agree with Rob. Although there are many situations where you can create a learning environment that mimics the future job environment, you can only do this if all the students in the class are in the same field. How could you do this if you are teaching anatomy to MA, RN, or PT students? Each one of these are going to have a very different environment.
IT LAYS THE GROUND WORK FOR TEACHING. IT LETS THE STUDENT BE COMFORTABLE AND KEEP ENGAGED IN TEH LESSON
The learning environment should not only provide a good, comfortable place for learning to occur but should also stimulate the mind about what is ging to be learned.
I agree. I teach at a technical college and creating a professional environment and treating it that way can get them more prepared for the REAL work environment.
I know that as a massage instructor the environment doesn't vary very much from a Chiropractor's office to a spa setting. The setting should relflect one of calm and serenity. It is a true joy to teach in such an environment as well.
Use personal experiences to demonstrate how the topic has helped you in different real world situations. This gets the student to think how they could use the material to impact a situation.
