First of all, great comments everyone! It's a wonderful feeling being part of the educational world! I have a lot to say about this, so I will try to keep it short...even though my title is "Instructor", I TEACH the way I was not taught. I hope that makes sense to everyone. I make my learning environment for my students the way I would want it if I were the student. From my passion to enthusiasm to the physical surroundings to the go-get-em attitude to the look at your potential!!!! (etc...) I make my classroon what it is and I am proud! I sometimes wish it would spread like a wildfire!
I agree with kathy Johnson, the enviroment creates thoughful and healty teacher/student engagements
If the environment is uncomfortable (too warm or too cold), the students are not thinking about the class material, but they are focusing on their personal discomfort. If the classroom is well lit, arranged and organized, then the environment will contribute to an environment conducive to learning.
Real-life stories, discussions and field trip experiences are helpful.
It facilitates the process of learning by adding mood, energy, tone, excitement and anticipation. Each of these triggers imipact students and influences there levels of engagement and participation in the learning process.
The learning environment, in my opinion, plays an substantial role in student success. As to; can they hear me, are they comfortable (hot, cold, hard seats, not enough room for writing, text review). The physical enviroment can limit activitie within a course and the actual students themselves as part of the environment. How are they seated, talking, texting and so on.
These are all areas of concern when dealing with learning environment. Each instructor obviously will have different issues and limitations within their own classrooms/buildings but be willing to think outside the box to enable learning for all students even if it doesn't make sense to all of those around you. If it works then go for it.
I think that the learning environment plays avery large part in the instructional process. I think that the learning environment should model the work environment as closely as possible so that the student will be the most out of the classes as possible.
I encourage my students to be leaders when it comes to learning. I do not want them to think that they will be spoon fed thecourse. They must find answer on their own at times.
A vital one in motivating students to learn
The learning environment is very important for the instructional process because taking an anatomy student into a horticultural environment to learn anatomy may make it challenging for the instructor to teach the information and also make it difficult for greatest student knowledge learning and retention as well.
Also, most humans radiate their emotions and students read and pick-up on those emotions. Therefore, one could conclude that an educated isntructor coming into a classroom emitting genuine concern for student success and bringing joyfulness to the learning environment would also benefit the student. This concept seems to work well for me in the classroom.
The learnig enviromment is very important in the instructional process. If the students are practing hands on related activities relevent to concepts of discussions you must make sure they have all the equipment needed. For example if the students are performing injections they must be in a lab setting for both safety methods and also to utilize instructional materials.
I agree. I like to start my class with a group meditation to help relax and focus the student.
Learning environment is really important, because the first time on class, students came to the classroom observing, questoning theirself about how much tehy could learn in this course, and after that they could increase desire to learn the new knowledge.
I agree. Cases and problem situation allows a student to use and farther develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.
I agree Kathy.
I like to give examples that go hand in hand with the subject at hand. In the medical field, things change frequently. Patients however, stay the same. The patient may have heard some bad news and has decided to take it out on you, the medical assistant. It is your job to maintain your professionalism and not take the outburst personal. I play this scenario out with my students and get feedback from them as to how they would handle this situation.
It is very important that these students begin to prapare now for the "real world" that awaits them.
the learning environment needs to be a situatiuon where there is limited distraction so a focused controlled approached can be achieved.
Hi Brittany,
Good strategy. Not only does this help you to get settled in and ready to teach it sends a message to the students that you are there and ready to go. No last minute rushing in, out of breath, throwing things down on the desk. That sends a real message to because you can remember having had such instructors and what you thought of them.
Gary
Hi Deanna,
This is so important. The classroom needs to be a place of support and respect. This way the students can come in get settled and be ready to learn.
Gary
Hi Ines,
Good point. Letting the students know we have been where they are and that we were able to complete our schooling and go into our chosen field is an important part of motivating students. This also start the development of respect between students and instructor.
Gary
Hi Fidencio,
What are some of the activities you use to make your class fun and interesting? Thank you for your input on this. I know the information will be valuable to other instructors.
Gary
