Learning Environment
What role do you believe the learning environment plays in the instructional process?
Terry,
You make a very good point about the value of a dedicated instructor no matter the setting. Yes, we need to have a comfortable supportive environment in which our students can learn but the real factor is the instructor. When I was in teacher training my professor warned me that technology would soon replace all live instructors. Really motivated me because I was training to enter a field in which I would soon be replaced. As history has shown the human factor in teaching is essential and in spite of all the advances in technology teachers are still needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think the learning environment is important. As I think back to my younger days in school without air conditioning in some of my classrooms , it was tough. However , the teacher kept us focused on the daily requirements. She acknowledged the heat and moved on - it was not the primary focus. The environment can be less than ideal - but the proper instructor can work around it. The flip-side is that a poor instructor would have really struggled.
I believe the environment plays a major role. Something as minor as a temperature that is too warm or too cold will cause distractions and cause students to lose focus on what is really important.
Elmer,
Yes, it is. When this is done the students can settle into the course and begin to feel that they can not only be successful in the course but will be able to contribute as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It also important to establish a sense of cultural congruency so as to creat the kind of environment that all are respected and to permit studetns to also learn about and from one another in the class.
Hans,
For sure and I have set through many of them over the years. We need to strive for engagement through our content, examples and activities. When we do that then we will have some excited learners.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agreed with you, having a great instructor presenting a class, that is well prepared, engaging and meaninful, will overcome any inconveniance that a physical environment might pose.
However, the best possible learning environment won't be able to improve a poor presentation given by a bad instructor.
Misty,
So true. The total picture has to be seen by the students as they work through and learn the procedures of their field. Any missing element will cause them problems later on in their careers.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The learning environment plays such a critical role in the instructional process because it can have a negative effect on learning. Such as having an environment that doesnt meet the requirements of whats needed to learn. For example learning proper handwashing before and after seeing a patient in the dental environment, requires a sink, running water, antimicrobial soap, and paper towels. If one of these things are missing then the end goal can not be accomplished.
The Learning Environment is crucial in supporting the focus of students. I find that by eliminating distractions, such as students entering the room due to tardiness can help students focus. Also, the natural tendency for students to sit in the back must be addressed to ensure the up close and attentive proximity.
The role of the learning environment should be positive and as relaxed as possible this allows for a quality return and creative responses to class instructions regarding hands on skill based subjects.
The learning environment I feel makes or breaks a classroom and the level of success you can achieve. Students need to feel that they are in a comfortable setting where they can learn without judgment. For example, I teach a public speaking course. Students main cause of anxiety has nothing to do with their speech or speech content itself but has everything to do with the feeling of judgment they get from their peers. In order to create a healthy environment I do a series of activities to help students get to know each other better. When you make them feel more comfortable with each other they feel less judgment when they are up front giving a speech.
On the same token, it is important that students get to know me and feel comfortable in the learning environment as it relates to me as the instructor. I strive to make students feel they can approach me openly to ask questions, seek further clarification, or to discuss possible problems. This makes for an environment with open communication.
The learning environment is what allows students to feel comfortable in the classroom. It promotes learning from all the different types of learning styles and will help the instructor to facilitate a thriving learning environment.
I believe that the learning environment is extremely essential to a student's learning. It is something that should be established from the beginning and maintained throughout the course. No teacher wants a student to fail, but if a good learning environment is established from day one, then it could help identify those students with potential weaknesses. Thus, they will have an early advantage at receiving tutoring.
I feel that it is one of the largest learing tools that we have to use from. It can set the tone for the student that happens to be a visual learner.
I wish as an instructor of mathematics, to have my students come to a room with only tables and chairs.A white board,books and plenty of papers and no eraser penciles.
using computers are only good for the commited students, the rest will navigate the internet
while you are clowning on the board.
by the way I wish they are all dressed in no pockets coverall.
I'm in the same boat. Our classes are more or less already planned out and we have to fit into the environment provided. Using pictures is a great idea to help make things more personal. I also make it a point to nearly beg the students to ask questions so it doesn't become a "radio broadcast".
I teach online. The course site is well-designed and organized (as a physical classroom should be), but since students do see me face to face, I have to establish my presence in other ways. In the beginning of class, I post a brief bio and picture as well as a warm welcoming message. During the course, maintaining frequent and professional communication is key. This is accomplished with frequent brief announcements, replies to discussion threads, email communications, and instructing in live chat sessions (where they can at least hear my voice twice a week). The classroom has to be easy to navigate and not overwhelm them or distract them from the learning process. It must support the learning process.
There seem to be two dimensions here. First, how the classroom and course are organized. Second, the tone the instructor sets in the course. I try to make my students feel comfortable, by chatting with them about the area where they live, their interests, etc, in a friendly manner. If they believe that the classroom is a safe setting, I think it reduces their anxiety, making it easier for them to study and prepare their assignments.
