classroom
visuals in the classroom: some classrooms simply do not allow use of posters or anything like that on the walls and the room set ups are very limited by the available type and quantinty of tables and chairs but still I am thinking about the idea of visuals. Maybe they can be made by students in some classes as part of the course. They would be temporary but still there and the students would be involved in their production. Anyone with experience here?
I thought it was interesting to read NASA uses the strategy to better the learning environment for astronauts during their training by using several plants in the room to increases the fresh oxygen level and is visually pleasing.
Different directors will have different thoughts and ideas on this subject. I worked at a place where the director would have no part of peripherals on the walls, then another place loved it. What worked for us was to make the classroom inviting to the student by having a few things specifically geared for the course. Invite a manager in and have them gauge the response of the student and see what happens. Keep in mind, direct specificity to the course is key. It also should remain relatively generic to avoid too much rivalry of brand names.
I also work where it seems there is an unspoken policy about posters and things on the walls, I believe it is thought of as juvenile. Any way around this?
Hi Nathan!
I was recently given the task of "rehabing" a very small library in a trades school. It was dull, uninviting, few publications, all the things that did not encourage students to use what tools were there. There's now a lot of color, bullentin board with useful info, publications, brochures, scheduled event announcements on colored paper, etc. AND - the best part - students who are using the library.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
And when they produce the "visuals" it can be an even more productive learning environment.
Good job David!
A great way for students to learn the smaller details of an instrucment, tools or process. Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
In my class room, we have students break into groups and pick an A/C component to draw. They need to teach the class about the component they have picked and I add anything I feel is relevant to the part. Everyone is busy and some students remarkable drawing ability shines.
the more visual things that are in the class for the student keeps them engauged
Greetings Deborah!
Very good suggestions for Frank.
I use handprints, footprints, bear claws, odd shapes and sizes,etc. which can be used during a classroom and easily removed.
My PowerPoints are always fun and interactive. I, also, continue to use post-it flipchart paper and always put fun pictures or drawings on them - and trust me - I am not an artist. But I will invariably have a student to comment on the colors, shapes or pictures.
JUST KEEP IT FUN!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Frank,
I teach a Health Care Supervision and Organization course. I have a little project that I do when we are talking about mission and vision statements.
The objective of the exercise is for the student to create a mission/vision statement but instead or just writing it down on paper. I create a blanket statement on the board with missing words and phases
For example:
The purpose of ____ is to ____ an environment that is ____, ____, and ____....
I then create 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 index cards with action verbs and phases and have each student take 5-6 cards at random. At this point they must fill in the blanks to make the mission/vision statement.
Having the statement written on the board creates a visual for all of the students.
Deborah Balentine
