Teaching environment
I'd like to address how important I feel the teaching environment is. I know myself if a room is cluttered or unkempt I do not concentrate as well. Other things that should be monitored are the lighting and the temperature of the room. These things are as important for staying focused as are a good nights rest. I like to reevaluate my room for clutter and cleanliness at least once per day. If I notice a student adjusting looking like they are getting tired the first thing I think of is whether the heat in the classroom is too high. If a student appears to be squinting to see a powerpoint perhaps the lighting needs adjustment. In order for our students to absorb information the topic presentation should be the only thing on their mind. Atmosphere control can assist with this concern.
Dan,
This method helps the students to see both relevance and application and this increases their engagement because they know they are going to use this knowledge and the skills once they are out in the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe the class information will get across to the students better if it is set up like real life. they will understand it better.
Kathy I agree. If we do not show we are welcoming the student the "care" factor vs. the "I am just a number" factor is only justified to them. It is always the little things that add up to make the student feel more at ease in difficult situations where they may not have answered before they now feel that they can. The instructor can also gain the students attention by not having them distracted on these things that can add up to a big deal
Carmen,
This shows the students that they are going to be working in a professional setting that has been prepared for them. They see they are valued as students and their instructor wants to help them be successful if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Before I start teaching I make sure the laboratory is organized and clean and I can find the tools I need for that specific class.
I work to ensure that before learning begins in the classroom, the classroom environment is set up properly and ready for the students to begin learning. The proper software must be loaded on each student workstation and the physical environment must be set so that the room is not too hot, not too cold. I also check to see that the projector is functioning, that there are whiteboard markers that work, and that I have all handouts, quizzes, and homework assignments for the students. It definitely takes planning to get it right.
David,
Well put in terms of having a supportive learning environment for students. The closer you can make the environment to the workplace the better. Having examples of parts and tools laying there for the students to see and touch greatly increases as you know their engagement and excitement about the course. These types of props are what makes the class fun for students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
the classroom should be set up in such a manner that it has no distractions from the course content for which you are discussing.for example,a classroom concentrated medical subject matter should probably have a surrounding setting of medical equipment associated materials, it would be the same as an automotive class having examples of auto parts and tools in thiere surroundings to influence that particular train of thouht.
Kathleen,
Good analysis of the learning environment. You are right about how much impact it has on the learning of students. It cannot be ignored and it should be set up in a way that shows the students that someone cares about them and the setting in which they are learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
