Heather,
Good point. We need to bring a well organized and supportive feeling to the classroom so our students will be able to focus on acquiring the content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Jennifer,
Seems simple but is critical to student comfortable and establishing a supportive learning environment.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
If the environment is tense and hurried like the instructor does not want to be there. How do you expect the students to feel any different about it. If the instructor seems like they want to teach the subject and want to be there the students will too.
The learning environment is very important. Something as simple as the temperature can distract the students. If they are cold or too hot they can’t concentrate on the lecture.
Jay,
I do think the size of the class makes a difference in the learning environment. I prefer smaller classes but in reality my university loads up my classes because they make more money. I enjoy my classes and my students so I teach with the numbers I have but I really prefer to have a class about 24 in number. With this number I get a diverse student group with varied life experiences. As a result I get great discussion and they can work together in learning groups that are just the right size.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The learning environment should be developed and maintained with the purpose in mind of enhancing student focus...quiet at times with resources and activities that are relevant to subject matter.
The learning environment has a significant role in the instructional process. In a traditional classroom setting, the faculty member should consider the seating and spacing between students. Lighting and sound delivery should be taken into consideration along with temperature. Most importantly, the instructor should attempt to have some form of ice breaker in the beginning of the course for students to become comfortable with each other. Do you think that the enrollment size of the course can impact the learning environment, and if so, how?
Jay Familant
Schnikka,
What are some ways you have found to be successful in delivering the material to your students?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
THE INSTRUCTOR IS THE ONE WHO DELIVER THE MATERIAL TO THE STUDENTS SO THEY WILL BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE CURRICULUM.
Antoinette,
I like the way you have created a focal point in your class. This is much like the notes posted on the frig in homes. The students know that to keep up with the latest they need to be readers of the board.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am a medical coding instructor. In my classroom I have a bullentin board devoted solely on keeping my students current with articles on medical diagnoses and procedures and any changes relevant to the medical field. I know students enjoy reading the articles that I post. I listed any additional supplemental materials that can provide insight to the course. I also provide a current list of where certification tests are given in the area. I find that my students are constantly reviewing my "board" for any new information.....they it very useful.
The environment should comfortable, not to warm, not to cold. Good lighting, comfortable seating, I try to make the students feel comfortable and relaxed. I show interest in the students personal lives and in them as individuals. The students tend to open up more let there guards down and are more acceptable to the teaching concepts.
The physical learning envoironment and having the proper supplies and materials are critical to the success of students.
It plays an important role because students need to feel that both the environment and the professor will be able to meet their learning needs
Bob,
You can work through different strategies for trying to bring the student under control but if he/she is not cooperative then they do need to be removed from the class. I have found when I have done that I have the respect of the other students because they know I want them to have a learning environment that helps them be successful and that I won't let a disruptive student ruin that.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree, disruptive students are always the "wild card" of your classroom. Regardless of how well you have the room set up and how well you are prepared if someone wants to be disruptive there isn't much you can do aside from remove them from the classroom.
Cory,
Right you are about bringing students along and helping them have success. There are those that refuse to be helped and while we may be disappointed we can't let them derail us from working with the willing students and have success with them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Effective classroom management tools are out there to assist you in hadling almost every situation including disruptive students. I have even picked up several on this site. I had trouble with some students in the beginning but discovered that all but the worst can be engaged and properly motivated if you control the environment in class and lab.
I would have to agree with Leonard's response. If the students are not placed in an environment condusive to learning the teaching process becomes much more difficult. A disruptive student that often distracts from the lecture is one good example of this.
I think the environment is very important. As a student if you are not comfortable or are distracted you won't be able to learn the material.
