My idea of a positive learning environment as an automotive instructor is to have the classroom and the lab ready and organized for the subject being covered.
First, I like to have the classroom structured in a half circle. If there are a lot of students, I will go to 2 levels of circles one behind the other. In any case, I want the students all facing me and the board/screen behind me without any distractions or visual impairments if at all possible.
Second, physical training aids for the subject will be arranged on a table in the center of the room, so that I can pick them up and display/demonstrate them as the class progresses. Whenever possible, I will have more than one so that I can pass other examples around the room as I cover them.
Third, having the class in a semi-circle allows me freedom to roam the room and demo/display up close for those individual having trouble understanding a concept.
Fourth, I try to have the lab vehicles prepped and ready for whatever we are covering. Arranging them in facing rows allows me the same freedom to roam and quickly move to individuals or groups that need assistance.
To me, all of this contributes to a positive learning environment, in that the students can see that I care about their learning and future success by having things read for them to see, hear and touch without having to wait for long stretches between sections.
Not much experience in this B/C we do not have choice or variance in the main lecture hall. I would like to have some possibility of dividing the class to groups in different rooms. KM
Wow John - since I have never taught any culinary classes, I had never thought about the challenges that culinary instructors would face. Very challenging! Best wishes- Susan
The physical setting is very imoprtant to a successful learning environment. I teach my students in a kitchen and depending on the temperature outdoors, the kitchen temperature can fluctuate. It is very difficult to work with butter and chocolat if you have a warm kitchen.
If the physical setting isnt temperature and climate controlled, I run into a great deal of problems. Namely, students with unsuccessful final products.
Hi Brandon - Thank you for pointing out that the classroom environment is not just the physical setting. As you mention, the "attitude" felt in the classroom is also very important. Best wishea for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I comfortable learning environment is very important to a students success in class. I believe that a comfortable environment includes positive feedback. I believe keeping attitudes positive in class will help the attention of students during lecture and with the class as a whole.
I will consider this factor as beneficial but also as a detriment. For example, if a change the arrangement of the tables so that each student will face each other, then there will be more distractions than if I arrange the tables in such a way that the students are back to back.
Tradition, desks facing front, the set up for lecture style, does not encourage a dynamic classroom environment.
Discussion and participation in active instead of passive activities take place when there are tables instead of desks, and the tables are re-arranged in different configurations as needed for vatious activities.
Many of the better courses and the best results have taken place in this newer classroom scenario for my students.
Hi Patrick - Thanks for your great suggestions on improving classroom environment- you reminded me that I must report a seriously loud HVAC fan in our IT lab! Best wishes - Susan
You must make the student's surroundings and equipment pleasing and comfortable to put them in the right frame of mind for learning. If there is a noisy air conditioner, it will be distracting, get it fixed. If the tables and chairs are not in good condition, it will be a distraction. Posters and pictures give the room appeal, as would a fresh coat of paint when needed. We have to do alot of training also, and you have to ask yourself how your room and equipment would affect your learnig attitude.
HI John - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are doing a good job of encouraging active learning in your classroom! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
It can impact their learning preferences in many ways, but perhaps the one that is most important is whether or not the setting allows them to be in enough of a personal "comfort zone" to facilitate each individual student's maximum learning potental. Unfortunately, many students are easily distracted by exterior influences that can detract from or otherwise disrupt their learning, so keeping distraction to a minimum and focus at a maximum is something I'm always concious of in the classroom.
I try to create a postive learning enviroment by allowing my students to work in small groups on projects and class exercises as much as possible. I would prefer to have round tables in the room, but we do not so I have them sitting traditionally. However, I mimimize lectures and get them up working as much as possible. Globe has a variety of spaces and this helps with "space management". I would like to get out more but winter in Minnesota prohibits this as well as much traveling.
The physical setting can put the students at ease, and when at ease, the students may be more receptive to the give-and-take of information.
Hi Annie- Thanks for your post to the forum. Sounds like a great start for a new class! Best wishes- Susan
I agree, Terry. I like to start the first few meeting times with a fun icebreaker. It helps the students to become more confortable with their classmates as well as showing them that I am human, too. Once a sense of comfort and trust is gained in the classroom, I find that the students are more apt to participate in class discussions, group work, etc.
Hi Robert- Thanks for your post to the forum. Ideally online students can work in their preferred setting but sometimes they lose their internet or their machine crashes or sometimes they didn't have a computer to begin with and are working at the library with time constraints. It can really be a problem at times. Best wishes! Susan
I teach online courses so the physical setting has no impact on our learning - at least a direct impact. Each student can complete the course from his or her preferred setting.
HI Terry - Thanks for your post to the forum. Sometimes I feel like I am the hostess in my classroom, just like I am the hostess in my home. Using humor makes everyone relax!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
When a class feels comfortable with me and onother, they are more likely to participate in discussion. I feel that having this comfortable enrionment is one of the most important factors for learning. A good dose of humor help achieve this.
