If you have the proper learning environment along with the tools to instruct, anything is possible. If you need items, you can always request them, if that doesn't work have the students come up with ideas on their own, make it a project for them to do as a group, this gets them involved in the process with one another and often leads to a stronger bond among themselves.
The ability for the student to be able to feel a part of the class, to feel relaxed to the point he/she participates in the discussion. The comfort of the room, tempature, lighting, seating can contribute to keeping students focused and active.
The learning environment plays a vital role in the instructional process. It allows both teacher and student to interract at different level and exchange ideas. In order to develop trust and achieve success, the class setting must be friendly; students must feel free to ask questions and or express their feelings to address their concerns.
I think its a big part of the learning experience its whats gets the students motivated as well
Olaolu,
You make a good point about the contribution a positive learning environment makes to the learning process. Students need to feel welcome and comfortable so they can concentrate on the course content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
it allows the students, in the case of the culinary program, to be able to put in practice new technics aquired while in lectures.
The environment plays a large role in instructional success.
As intimated in another part of the forum, regardless of modality; instructional success is contingent upon how well prepared they are prior to class.
Whether online, or on ground, instructors must understand that being prepared is a part of Classroom Management. In an onground learning environment, being prepared can greatly effect how students learn. For example, student disruptions can be planned for, via applying learning activities, discussions, etc. However, when at home teaching online, you may not be able to prepare for emergencies that take you away from the computer. The impact leaves less time to prepare and engage students.
The key to both environments is time management, preparation ahead of session and/or meeting time and being prepared with well structured assignments, modules, etc. for both online and onground learning environments. Preparation is key.
Vera Davis
The effect of learning environment was a major contributor to my education. Relaxed environments/informal have seemed more beneficial to my learning process. A place most comfortable like a living room scenario.
Being in an organized environment always makes both learning and teaching simpler for the teacher and the students.
It provides a vital role. A student cannot properly learn if the environment is not warm and inviting, and does not have the proper amount of visual and tactile aids.
Amanda,
I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I really support your comments about how to set the environment up to support adult learners. We need to keep them engaged and focused while providing them a comfortable and encouraging setting to interact with peers and their instructor.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It is the major factor in the learning process.
The learning environment is crucial to the instructional process. The environment needs to be a place where learning can take place. This involves removing clutter, doing a run through to make sure all learning materials are working properly, and other elements that can effect learning. Great preparation needs to take place to create this environment.
THe learning environment plays a big role. With this being geared toward adult students they need their environment to in some way reflect the subject matter or emulate the work space that they may be apart of once the course is over. Also, it needs to be sort of relaxed. Some of the students have been at work all day or are heading to work after class, and it helps to retain the information better if one is comfortable.
I agree with this statement. The organization and preparedness of an instructor is important, but if the room is too hot, too cold, cramped, noisy, all of these things distract from even the best lesson plans. Also, all visual equipment, boards and screens must be easily visible to all in the classroom.
A persons learning environment has to be conducive to learning or the learner will not learn. Distractions in a classroom or if a person is taking an online course has to be minimized for me in order to learn and to stay engaged in the learning process. Some people don't mind distractions, for instance, having the TV on the listening to music.
Agree on that, a good learning enviroment will provide to the students a better way to focus, understand and perform.
Norman,
Great example of how an informal cohort group can influence each other. This way all of your students are moving through the course and staying prepared.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Frank,
Sounds like a comprehensive and well planned strategy to get the students through the material. They are getting the latest content with the personalized touch of their instructor.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe the learning environment plays a huge role on the instructional process.
I teach accounting and we are very close to a Military Base and we have many soldiers in our classes.
I stress staying up to date on their homework and preparation for class.
The military students seem to grasp this and the other students seem to fall right in line.
I always stress the the same attributes that these gentlemen and ladies do. After a few classes all the students are all on the same page and know what is expected.
