I agree that organization of workspace is important. In thre medical arena it is essential for getting y=through the day. I try to teach organization through example.
Hi Becky - Thanks for your post to the forum. The best advice I can give is to let your students know that you are there for them. I answer my cell phone until 10 p.m. every day including week-ends. My students rarely call but know that they can if needed. I return emails within a few hours as well. Youe students will really value your accessibility. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Thank you for your insight into generational differences and comfort level with technology. I am about to teach a class that is incorporating online homework assignments for the first time. I will try to be sensitive to older students' comfort level with this, and offer lots of encouragement.
I try to make sure everyone is in a circle so they can see one another and hear one another.
I like to create a comfortable classroom, often by moving chairs into a circle so everyone can see one another. We also make sure everyone knows everyone else's name.
Depending on the environment, it makes the students or adult learners mroe receptive of what you want to teach. I have taught elementary and now postsecondary and have seen the difference of a cluttered classroom of projects versus a classroom with organization makes a big difference. Again it depends on the environment and what subjects are being taught.
Hi Melissa - Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree, allowing students to showcase their work is important. I hope that you will be successful in your campaign! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Judith - Thanks for your post to the forum. Is there a master switch to cut power to the PCs in that classroom. If not, I would just make sure that the students understand that they may not turn them on. Cell phones/ Iphones are another issue...... ! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have noticed that one of my rooms is colder than others. Instead of actively listening my students are trying to get warm. Temp, light/dark, desk placement all contribute to a person's energy level toward learning.
I think the learning environment is so important for a students comfort and interest. Sadly, we are not able to adorn our walls with student projects and visual aids anymore. They used to inspire students to ask questions and look forward to be able to produce them. I think bare walls are so depressing! Im going to fight for students to be able to show off their work and help inspire those that come after them!
Clean and organized spaces are also very important because if a student walks into a cluttered disorganized room, how much confidence will they have in learning?
As an instructor in administrative (non-clinical) classes in healthcare, I typically teach in a standard classroom without any lab equipment. This type of environment -- tables without PC monitors on them -- works the best because it does not distract my adult learner students. Other times when my class is scheduled in a computer-equipped classroom, the students spend class time "surfing" the Internet. Even with stated rules that prohibit this actitity, I have to monitor students' behavior and encourage them to return to our learning objectives.
I personally prefer a room that is organized and that it also contains lots of charts/pictures for the visual learners to be able to understand the lecture a bit more. For the other types of learners I also include power points but like to read outloud and make sure to repeat the improtant stuff to them and have them highlight areas of the book that are necessary. For the hands on learners I also like the pass around the type of equipment that we will be using or working with so that they better understand as well.
Depending on the course, but art classes need to have a very energetic setting, where students get motivated to be creative. Lots of light in the classroom, art on the walls, and sometimes music helps them get going. Above all, an energetic and motivating instructor.
If the student is uncomfortable, bored, or has any other type of distraction's he/she will not learn, pay attention. As an instructor we need to learn how to develop various types of imparting information.
The comfort of the students impacts their ability to focus on the subject. To hot or cold degrades their focus.
IF the class is not a postive enviroment to learn in the student will not be able to openly accept the informstion that is being discussed.
Hi Patrick- Thanks for your post to the forum. I know that the majority of instructors are not "in it for the money" ! As you mention, it is so exciting to see our students learn and succeed!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Robert - Yes, students can at times adjust to other delivery styles, but to learn best, they need to also have their own style of earning accomodated. Susan
Hi Sarah - I agree- the physical environment sends a message from the beginning. "Are these people serious about what they do? Do they care abour my comfort and how best to help me learn?"
Best wishes- Susan
It is a known fact that this could play an important role as well. Although, your teaching strategies may affect a number of students. There are some students that are affected upon the entrance of their class and possibly the building which could be challenging. For example, the room colors, lighting issues, clutter and housekeeping. This could inhibit the student from being motivated and confident about what they are doing.
