The setting that the classroom is in has a major impact on the learning environment. If the classroom is hot or crowded it will be harder for the student to learn the material and the student will become easily distracted. It is important for the classroom to be calm and free from distractions so it can provide the best learning area possible. We can't expect successful learning if we do not provide a successful learning environment.
Susan Sandmann
I feel that the classroom has to feel "safe" for the students to be able to ask questions and support one another. The adult learner needs to focus and relax, especially dealing also with other life issues/priorities.
Students prefer a clean environment for their class. I have found students are easily distracted and pay less attention when a classroom is messy.
Hi Linda - Thanks for your post to the forum. Congratulations on running an interactive and professional classroom! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
As an adult educator of medical students, I find removing negative from the classroom work best. These are my expectation, which my students are made aware of the first day of class: I do not allow inapropriate comment; all students have respect each other while in the classroom, which consider a workplace environment; I never sway on assignments for any student; professionalism each week is expected. I used a variety of learning methods in enhance the learners cognitive levels (PowerPoints, Coloring anatomy lab sheets, Flashcards for Medical Terminology; math races for medication dosage; You Tube; videos. If I have a 2 hour lecture, I enter activities to reinforce the material every twenty minutes.
Not only is it important for the students to be comfortable, but also for the instructor. The lighting, temperature, and tables with chairs all add to the environment. Surroundings will also play an important role in a successful class environment. Things like smell,noise and light will all cause a negative distraction in the teaching environment.
I've found that adult learners are less interested in the classroom setting, but have responded well to displaying our own group projects.
Most adult students are visual learners, so the physical setting play an important part with learning.
I teach in a very small lab. And I have found that causes un wanted stress on the students. So I decided to divide my lab time so it is less stress on them and I have seen a tremendous amount of improvement in my students learning.
I have learned that having a neat and clean enviroment, will help you to keep things, more Organize and structure,when you are teaching your students
Hi Cheryl - Yes adult students are generally very focused and are there to learn with minimal need for entertainment! Susan
I agree with this comment. The adult learner, for the most part, is not as interested in the environment (bulletin boards, color, etc.). They are wanting a clean and organized classroom setting, I have found from almost all of my students.
I agree with Donald, I also need a neat, orderly classroom setting. Everything should have a place and the area should always be kept clean and organized.
Hi Theresa- Thanks for your post to the forum. before we built our new campus we were located in several old downtown office buildings so I know exactly how you feel! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I teach at a technical school. Our time is split between a classroom and a laboratory setting. I find all students much more enthusiastic about learning when in the lab surrounded by the equipment and supply used in their future career.
Our lab is small and hard to organize. I find this a challenge. Students become frustrated when bumping into eachother or unable to find something needed and at that point they lose their enthusiam to learn.
In my opinion, the learning environment can make or break a student.
Hi Dario - Thanks for your post to the forum and a great analogy! If we want our students to be organized and neat in their work world, we need to model that in their student world! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Almost always it sets the tone for the learning. If it is messy, disorganzed, etc - it gives the impression in my opinion that it is OK to be disorganized and messy in the work they prepare for the course. Since my intent for the course is to have them learn what constitutes "client ready" - a clean, organized and well equipped room fits that bill.
Hi Amanda - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, The learning environment including all relevant equipment is so important! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
For my students the environment in which they learn in is a critical part of their education. No so much at the book level, but when putting their skills to practice if the equipment is not set up right, or in good working condition, it hinders their learning. Also if the proper equipment is not available and they have to "pretend" to put on gloves, for example, when it comes time to test they either "pretend" on test day, or forget about it completely. So as an instructor of a trade, I make sure to have all necsessary tools readily available for my students to promote the best learning I can.
I have to agree that the younger students are more tech savvy, but that's how we as older folk can actually keep up with some of the new technologies.
