Hi Celia,
You have to decide how you are going to handle the laptop issue. I don't allow them. The reason is that I have had too many problems with them being open and not being used for notes. My students have not voiced any complaints with this since everyone knows my policy and accept it when taking my class. I give my students a lot of handouts so the note taking is not that big of issue with them.
Gary
I, too, believe that the instructor is the key to a positive, comfortable learning environment. Setting the students at ease, being respectful, encouraging their interaction and participation, but clearly setting the expectation that we will focus on the content of the course is important. I also believe flexibility is important. While I know many of these things already, sometimes students present me with a need to learn them again. For example, one student who whispered a lot in class, some of which was criticism of me (silly things like I can't spell because I had to erase and rewrite while I was lecturing at the same time)created a situation where another student chose to defend me and they kind of got into some sarcastic interactions during class times. I dealt with the whisperer outside of class time, but never felt that the comfort zone for the class really got back to where I would like it to have been.
So, what I learned from that was to intervene sooner. It was interesting, though.
I would like to know how people deal with students who have laptops open supposedly to take notes.
Oh a very important role, the temperature of the room, the placement of the board or screen. The comfort of the chairs. If things are too comfortable students will tend to be tired or possibly lazy as if it doesn't matter if they participate. If they are very uncomfortable stuednts fidgit and don't pay attention. Same with the temperature. The learning environment is very important.
The learning environment can help or hinder the instructional process, so it's important for us as instructors to enhance that environment as much as possible. Small things, lighting and noise for example, can make big differences in learning outcomes.
I completely agree, a positive environment allows for an open environment where everyone can learn. I am a math instructor so I have been lucky not to have to deal with computers in my classroom.
I believe that the learning environment is important. Students need to have a positive learning environment that is free from distractions so that can focus on the subject they are being taught. I find one of the biggest obstacles is computer labs where students can browse the internet during class time. I find this to be a really big distraction and I have not found a good solution to this problem.
Hi Nolan,
You are right about the instructor needing to be the core of what is happening in the learning environment. The physical can be overcome but the affective and cognitive has to be in place in order for this to happen. So even though we may have to teach in a setting that is not the best if we set the tone for the class there will still be great learning occurring.
Gary
The learning environment is very important. The physical surroundings are definitely one part of this. However, I think the most important aspect of the environment is the type of classroom atmosphere being created by the instructor. Creating and maintaining an open and welcoming atmosphere is of the utmost importance.
I believe that it is the job of the teacher to create a classroom environment where self-esteem, trust and motivation are at optimal levels. An environment with these three traits is crucial to optimal learning. Although the student must have these in place before coming to class, it is the job of the teacher to make sure the environment supports them.
The learning environment plays a very large part in the instructional process. For weeks we have been battling the temperature in the classroom (too cold) and the thermostat was not working. Students were getting colds and we had to send them home for fear of infecting us or the other students. Then a company was hired to adjust it and it was too hot, truly miserable, we had to send the students home. They lost time that could not be make up.
Secondly, they sit in these terribly small and hard desk. We have large boned students that look very uncomfortable. It is not conducive at all to learning
I'm in a production setting and sometimes with a large class it is hard to provide, sharing equipment etc. We always make it work however not all the students are very happy. Smaller classes help improve the learning enviroment.
Instructor should create an environment conducive to learning.
I believe it plays a big part in our students education, how much they will recieve from the program. I feel if we set up the class with great teacher a great attitude and with the understanding that some students haven't been in school for the past couple of years and gear to that, in giveing them a good, safe learning enviroment we will have sucess.
I teach the clinical aspects of Promoting Wellness in the Metally Ill Client. For most of my students, the thought of working with the mentally is very disconcerting. When they arrive at the facility where I have the pleasure of teaching,the term hospital is given a whole new meaning. The grounds are a twenty five acre arboretum with birds, flowers and trees surrounding little brown cottages and a main building which houses a baby grand piano. We meet in the board room furnished with a conference table and thick leather chairs encircled by glass encased bookshelves. My students attend 12-step recovery and process groups as well as art workshops and drum circles. And in so doing are given the priviledge of sharing in the struggles and recovery of a very vulnerable group of human beings.I am thrilled when I have students tell me they they love their Psych clinical.I know how they feel!
I believe a energy filled learning enivironment is crutial in capturing and retaining your students attention. I would believe that it is extremly harder to teach the late classes after everyone has been through a full day, and the onlly thing left on the agenda to complete is this class because they just have to find a better paying job. I would suggest a few stretches, and maybe a fun little cheer before the actual class starts. Once you see the laughter and smiles on their faces...keep the energy rolling with some questions and answers.
The classroom in of itself, is the cornerstone of the learning process from the first day to the last day in the course session. Being that most young students today communicate with 55% being visual, a well planned classroom will speak volumes of the instructor and the course material being presented. The classroom environment can be the instructors greatest asset or worst nightmare depending upon how much forethought and time was given to it's preparation.
The learning environment plays an extremely large role for each adult learner. Just recently, I had a few students stay after class to discuss this topic. In one class in particular, I have a classroom that has three large windows that face the parking lot. The windows are low enough to be able to glance outside to see every single car or person (walk/drive) by! Something I tried last week was to lecture off a blank white wall to switch the point of focus. This way the windows were behind them. IT WORKED GREAT!!! The class was more engaged and the discussions were great.
I agreed with the slides I read within this unit. It is so important to show your student's how organized, prepared and ready you are to teach each day! By thinking twice about the learning environment, you are able to have a more focused group of students.
You hit the nail on the head.I could not have said that any better.You feel like you look is a term i us often.
I believe that students respond accordingly to their learning environment. Poorly maintained classrooms and common areas (Scuffed walls, broken chairs, dirty carpet,etc.) results in the student's diminished sense of pride,responsibility and respect towards self and others.
Setting expectation in the classroom is key. The best technology in the world cannot take the place of an instructor who is passionate about his/her work and exhibits this passion to the students. Sticking to the basics....treat others as you would like to be treated. Creating an environment of respect yet, allowing free thinking and creativity. Emulating that one favorite teacher we all had way back when....!
The learning environment must be quiet and must meet the students requirements.
