Lighting
I loved this particular session of this class. Not least because it redeems virtually everything I do in the classroom every single day. And am often criticized for... right up until the industry standard certification tests.
The one PROBLEM area I have has to do with lighting.
Personally, I am a proponent for dimmer lighting for the reasons that follow...
Most institutions use flourescent lighting NOT in the preferred spectrum for the simple reason of cost effectiveness.
In my experience though, I can retain more attention and alertness by leaving the overhead flourescent lights off or using one or two banks of them and using the light from CRTs or the lights from another room through the windows and open doors... or table lamps, reading lamps etc. And varying the lighting to direct attention for maximum effectiveness.
One of the reasons this probably works for me though is that I do integrate music, color... overhead projection... and my own... er... ENERGETIC personality, not to mention stimulating wit.
Oh... and I make it a point to call each person BY NAME a minimum of three times in a given 55 minute instructional period. Note that I am not necessarily asking them a question... in fact, USUALLY am not asking a question. But, just SAYING a persons name will focus their attention in a way that nothing else can.
On the other hand, I am perhaps blessed in that I am the only instructor to use that particular classroom and I have a relatively small population density. As compared to a 300 seat lecture hall that is shared between an entire department. So, I have a little more flexability than some others here may.
Yes, it is true. I observed the difference. The students in a class with natural lighting are more focused and active than the students in a class with artificial lighting.
My ordinary habit is preferring to use sunlight if it is available. If not, I turn on the lights. Sometimes I utilize both if the weather is inclement.Lights are dimmed only during movies or slide presentations.
I agree that good lighting while lecturing is very important. Students need to take notes. When using a video, I do dim the lights but I am usually moving around the room to cut down on the napping and misbehaving.
Hi Darlene!
I am always appreciative of natural lighting - students seem to stay more engaged in a bright, sunny room.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Lighting is important and essential for students to pay attention.
I like to use lots of video clips to demonstrate a particular point rather than an entire video. I think it brings life to some difficult terms and concepts. That being said, I also vary my lighting depending on what I am doing (i.e. group activity, video clip, presentation etc.)
Wow! This is very interesting. I never really paid attention to the lighting issue. But, it really does make sense how important lighting is and how productive it can be in a given situation. This is good to know. We only have one light setting and one lamp in the classroom. We do have a DVD/VCR and Projector in this classroom as well. And when we use the lamp and the projector at the same time, the lighting is very different.
Hi Stephen!
Because I facilitate personal and career development classes, we often talk about team work and team building. As a result, I am apt to give student's choices and let them make the decision as a team after discussion and identifying expected outcomes. So lighting would be something that I would ask students to discuss and decide what is best for the organization.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
The corporate world may be tired, but no more, I suspect, than the majority of adult learners that I see at 7:00 AM, and they need plenty of light. I have actually tried playing around with lighting levels, and as far as attentiveness and participation goes, diminished lighting has sorry results. While I abhor flourescent lighting and would love to see the sun from time to time, I and I am sure most of my colleagues have no options to use other than that which the classroom provides. My only control is that which the diming switch brings, and keeping it high in the early hours proves most effective.
I agree with natural lighting. At least for me, it creates an atmosphere that is relaxed and allows me to be open to new ideas. Lighting has alot to do with what time of day you teach. Night classes may be better off with fairly lit rooms, while midmorning classes it may be more appropriate for dim lights. The start and end of the day is when most students tend to feel sleepy
Laurie -
I'm with you... I love to take my classes outside or give them self or group work to do outside for 10-15 minutes or so. A friend of mine calls many teaching rooms "sensory depravation chambers".
Lou Russell
I am a big fan of natural light and share antipathy to teaching in windowless rooms. I would like to start a movement to have classes routinely outside, weather permitting. I've actually done this once or twice and it's been great for me and the students. Not only is natural light stimulating to learning, fresh air is as well!
Ekan:
What you say about lighting is true. I do find that you have to be careful with dimming the lights during videos, because it can put overworked people to sleep. It's also better to only show videos early in the day. I loved your comment about total darkness.
Lou Russell
In delivering lectures, its essential that the learner has enough illumination to enable him write down the facts that are worthwhile noting, and I think the normal flourescent lighting is allright. As for videos, deeming the light permits the students to see better. Simply deeming the light makes the environment calmer for the students. Total darkness is an invitation for some students to misbehave.
Kevin -
I agree that flourescent lights are extreme, but in my classrooms atcompanies(or in the horrible confines of a hotel or convention center room), any kind of dimming encourages napping. The corporate world is very tired. I love natural light - letting the sun pour in... that's the best.
I do think different people prefer different amounts of light to focus - watch out for learners who need more than you do. I'm sure your stimulating personality is what does the trick. I like your thought about calling people by name, as long as it isn't seen as a disciplinary measure.
Using music will also help you set the pace and mood.
Lou Russell
