We live in a very visual society, first impressions are so important. The students evaluate a lot of the learning experience by their first impression of the class-room.
Perhaps there are some things the instructor cannot control, such as the comfort-level of the chairs or even the classroom that the school assigned for the class. However, there are certain things the instructor can control to ensure a positive learning environment. For example, I show up to class early to make sure that the computer and projector are working properly. If not, I have time to fix it or call tech support. Students hate it when technical problems creep up in class. It is best to do everything possible to avoid those situations.
This is huge...the instructor has to see to it that everyone feels comfortable in participating and that its okay to make mistakes becuse we can actually learn from them anyways.
Learning environment is very important in the instructional process. The learner will be more receptive to instruction when he/she is comfortable and free of distractions. Furthermore, distractions compete with the instructional process at hand that would limit the learners' ability to understand the subject matter being learned.
I must disagree with one of the quiz answers. An optimum learning environment absolutely should include a relaxed atmosphere. Fear is the mind-killer. I teach my students that when taking an exam, their state of mind is critical. They cannor be relaxed on an exam if they are not relaxed during class. I further teach that the best way to be relaxed is to be prepared.
A good learning enviroment is essential. If there are distractions. The student, may get off track. This will effect what the student obsorbs.
Hi Kay,
Good balance to how you approach the learning environment. You are giving your students a wide variety of activities in which they see how they are using content and developing their skill sets.
Gary
Some environments can be a huge distraction to students. This will include the student population, backgrounds, the teachers delivery, the classroom set-up, the color of the walls, even the students own ability to learn. Everybody is different, and so is their ability to learn and or teach.
The most effective learning environments are the learning environments that are tied in directly with the topic to be provided. For example, teaching about the jungle in a regular classroom is not the same as teaching it in the jungle itself. By doing so you are learning and obtaining experience as well.
Hi Ondrea,
Right you are. The students need to see the connection between the classroom, content and the career area they are preparing to enter. When they do they will operate at a much higher level of motivation.
Gary
Hi Dreena,
This is an important part of instructional planning. As you mention try to simulate the working environment in which the students will be going as much as is possible. School is a job for students as well so they need to learn the "soft skills" as well as the content so they will be successful in their careers.
Gary
The role of the learning environment should be to invigorate and stimulate the students desire to learn. For example, my class is a hands on plus lecture to teach skill sets utilized in a clinical office setting for medical assistants. In the back of the class the college has provided two full exam areas just as you would find in a doctors office. I have enhanced the setting by placing instructional posters and previous class project posters to increase the students desire to have knowledge of that particular material. I allow for the "Practice Arm" to remain in full sight of the students to create excitement about learning the basics of giving shots and drawing blood which otherwise would create fear at the mention of needing to acquire that skill. Another thing that I do is place the desk into a cube type arrangement that allows for me to circulate within the cube to convey that this class is going to be more one on one instruction and it also allows me face to face with each student to promote good eye contact. The learning environment plays an integral part in achieving success for each student.
Comfortable seatimg & visual aids enhance learning
if it is noat an adequent leaning enviroment students will not be engaged
It makes a huge diffrence to the student if they enter an environment that reflects what they are learning. If you are in a lab environment, the room should look like a lab.
