The learning environment should be one where the student feels comfortable to take risks. They should feel free to express ideas and make mistakes.
Hi Dr. J,
Like your educational philosophy. I am sure your students really enjoy having the opportunities to expand their knowledge and skill base in communication.
Gary
Absolutely, a classroom environment must accommodate students so they may participate in comfort and security. The environment must be clean and the computers, up and running.
I teach online courses. Students can log on and access the v.c. in their homes, on a laptop in a coffee house, or from their work computers (if their employers allow that.) They are in a familiar setting. But, the learning environment really is the virtual classroom.
The v.c. format is well organized and easy to navigate. Students are able to access course materials with ease. Instructors are able to deliver lessons in real time, using voice and visual aids.
The students have a comfortable, safe environment to do their work, submit their assignments and receive their instruction.
The classroom environment should be comfortable, and should allow everyone the ability to hear and see. The lab should be as realistic as possible. Equipment should be in good repair and the necessary tools and consumables available.
The role of a learning environment is to provide students an open and free exchange of ideas, so they may express themselves without fear of reprisal or judgment. Students must be able to flourish creatively while learning. That said, the instructor must always provide guidance—as well as guidelines, to keep the class on track.
Dr. J. Greco
Hi Stan,
Good job of covering all aspects related to instruction. All of these little things blend together to make up a supportive and comfortable learning environment.
Gary
I would look for an environment similar to that which would be found in the field of study. (I am referring to primarily a lab type of classroom since I teach IT classes)
In that type of room I would expect it to be neat, with computers at a comfortable height for students to work productively. Also, it helps to have good lighting for students to see what they are doing without experiencing unnecessary eyestrain. Chairs should be comfortable but not too comfortable that someone would fall asleep.
If a chalk-board or white-board is being used it should be positioned at proper height so that all students can easily see it.
An instructor should also make sure that he/she has control of the classroom so that no unnecessary background talking is experienced. It is imprtant for students to be able to hear the class presentations at all times. The room should also be kept at comfortable temperature for all the students as well as the instructor.
Hi Cecilia,
That is a great way to make it "real" for students. Our classrooms need to be as close to the working environment as is possible because that is where they are going to spend their lives so they need to know what it is really like.
Gary
Hi Stan,
Thank you for your comments about the learning environment and how important it is in supporting learning. What are some characteristics you look for in a learning environment that is conducive to maximum learning?
Gary
I agree that the learning environment should mirror what the students will expect to see in their field of choice. In nursing, the clinical setting and the skills lab would be the best examples of what the students may experience in the real world as professionals. It's great to see a student learn a particular topic in theory and then see it come together in clinical and know that the student then understands (or has learned) what was taught.
First, it is important that students are physically comfortable. Our classes are 4.5 hours long, so it is helpful when everything is ergonomically correct. I suggest that students dress in layers because we work around computers. Some classrooms are colder/hotter depending upon the time of day and number of people in the classroom. I also think it's important that students have access to affordable food/drinks. Those are the bare necessities.
Beyond that, I think it's important to have real world examples around the school (in a design school). We have samples of student and professional work in the hallways and classrooms. Students strive to get their work "on the wall" as well.
I think that the learning environment can and should be a motivator in the instructional process. The environment should be a comfortable
but yet productive place where the students can learn about the course material presented to them. It should make the students feel welcome to go in as well as a place that they want to return to on a weekly basis.
A good learning environment helps to achieve the goals of the class.
The learning environment is critical to effective teaching. At the college I currently teach at,I have found that many of the students come from challenging situations. I have found that a safe, mentoring environment is most helpful for them. Many of them are afraid of what they will face in college. I teach one of the first courses they are required to take. I try to create a positive learning environment. I use activities that require participation, including work in pairs and in groups.
For all my students I make sure they know I am a resource for them: I give them my cell phone number; I meet with them individually to review concepts they don't understand; and I praise them in the classroom. They are so amazing to me. I am happy to support them. I want them to have a great experience in one of their first classes. I hope it gives them confidence throughout their college careers.
The learning environment plays an important role in the instructional process. If proper equipment and supplies are not available to the student, then objectives cannot be met. If the instructor is not properly prepared, then the students do not take the class seriously, nor do they respect the instructor.
I think a really good or a really bad environment can have a big effect on learning but there's a lot of middle ground where students internal motivation and learning styles play a bigger role.
The learning environment is key in the instructional process. The layout of the room, the temperature, the lighting, the seating arrangement are all important factors in engaging the students in learning, but the
most important factor in the learning environment is the student-teacher rapport established through verbal and non-verbal communication.
Students tend to thrive in an atmosphere of openness, trust, transparency, respect for self, others, and learning. Establishing a classroom environment where students know one another, feel comfortable disclosing their viewpoints, express challenging ideas to create new concepts is an exciting place to be! Truly an environment where all students are actively engaged in the learning process is an environment that tends to draw students back to the classroom week after week.
I plays a huge role...If a student feels that they cant interact with the instructor, things can go un-clearified
Hi Phonesavanh,
This is a great idea for "setting the stage" for is going to happen that day. When the students walk in and see the seat arrangement they know what is going to occur that day. This is a great heads up for them.
Gary
The learning environment plays an external role on the tone of the class and how you set up/ develop your teaching style. outside noise, lighting, temperature all play a role in how the student will focus on what you are trying to teach them. this emphasises the need to do a pre-class walk through. if you can control or eliminate most of the outside factors (in most cases you may not) you can develop a teaching style around them.
for example, if you teach near a train track and you know that the train comes through and blows it whistle everyday during the middle of your class, instead of teaching over the whistle, make that the start of a short break/ research period. that way you cna move the students away from a distraction while still teaching the kids the lesson for the day.
