To have an effective instructional process, I try to have a learning environment that will stimulate discussion and openness. For example, on our discussion days I rearrange the desks in a semicircle to make it a more inviting environment. This allows the students to see everyone and be more comfortable. Also, I find that if I do this on lecture days - the students are more willing to engage in conversation and actually guide the topic along instead of me lecturing.
Hi Tim,
Good point. What do think are the most critical factors in setting up a supportive learning environment?
Gary
The learning environment effect is very important you can't teach gym class in a science lab.
I beleave that the learning environment in labs should come as close to a real employment enviroment in order to smooth transition
I agree with John. I try to have a very approachable and forgiving environment where the students feel comfortable with me, and therefore the material.
Hi Dee Dee,
Right you are about the learning environment. It should be set up to the point that the students look forward to the upcoming class because the environment is supportive and comfortable for them.
Gary
I think the learning environment is critical to the instructional process. It sets the tone for the effectiveness of the course overall. Students need to feel comfortable to learn, ask questions, and even make mistakes!
I like to establish a professional, yet open and friendly, environment so that students look to you as a person and approachable.
The environment is as important as the students and the teachers.
Hi Cynthia,
You are exactly right. The tools, equipment and supplies have to be there and available for the students. They shouldn't have to race to the classroom in order to get what they need. As you say this really reduces the motivation of students and raises their frustration.
Gary
An important role, I believe. It gives them an idea about the industry they are training for - for example, I teach baking in a culinary college, and the professional kitchens allow the students to become familiar with the enviroonment of their chosen career. Beyond that, it is important to have all equipment working and available - when there is missing pans, mixers or equipment, it really affects student morale. They feel they are not valued as "customers" and it builds resentment. It's important for a school to provide everything they need in the classroom to do the prescribed classwork successfully. If they are worried that they won't have a mixer unless they are one of the first ones in the classroom, it builds anxiety that is counter-productive to learning.
The learning environment must be well organized and all equipment functioning for it is the key for students to learn. IT makes our computer labs ready each break creating effective environment for learning.
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for the feedback on your technology use. All of the components you listed are needed if the students are going to be comfortable with and use extensively the technology they have available to them.
Gary
Hi Nancy,
Great comprehensive plan for covering the different activities and learning needs in your classes. Your students are being well served by your efforts.
Gary
The technology used in my classroom is the computer: Teaching my students how to use the internet for research. How to keep from losing computer work and dealing with filters and firewalls is very important knowledge for students.
The biggest decision to make when planning a class session is which activities will facilitate learning for your group of students. A good rule of thumb is that lectures are an effective means for conveying information about and enthusiasm for a field, whereas problem-solving, small group work, and discussion
sessions are more effective at developing new skills and changing behavior.Finding out the student group's level of understanding with a pre-test can determine how and what you intend to cover. Always welcoming ANY questions makes a student more secure and focused, also.
Hi Nancy,
What are some of the factors that you look for when you are setting up your classroom/lab so it will be comfortable and relevant to the students?
Gary
Hi Shirley,
How do you go about selecting the technology that you are going to use in your classroom?
Gary
Hi Lyn,
Thank you for sharing your insight on both on ground and on line instruction. Your approach enables students to get settled into the course and to look forward to the instruction that is going to follow. I really like the part about encouraging students to bring order and structure to their study lives even when they are in their homes. If they don't develop structure to their study habits they are not going to be successful.
Gary
It needs to be comfortable and relevant to the type of instruction you deliver. It must allow the student to fucus properly on order to learn.
