The learning environment is critical to the instructional process. If the environment is not condusive to learning, then the students could easily be distracted, uninterested or even able to participate in the classroom instruction.
Some ways the learning environment can be adapted to maximize the instructional process may be as simple as ensuring the lighting, temperature and seating structure is appropriate for your classroom. It may also mean having the appropriate audio-video equipment for the lesson. It could also include ensuring that the students are creating the appropriate learning environment by not interupting other students and that we as instructors have control of the classroom.
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for sharing the setup of your learning environment. I am sure this is going to be of much help to instructors that are just starting their teaching careers.
Gary
I have taught computer-based courses for many years. The traditional setup of the learning environment is rows of computer desks facing the instructor. This really is not optimum because of the fact that it is not conducive to discussions or helping students with their practical computer questions.
We recently reformatted some of our labs to a "u" configuration, where the teacher can see all the computer screens at the same time and tell at a glance which students are on task and ready to continue with the lesson. This also opened up the center of the room for large group tables for sharing and discussion. Both the instructors and the students really like this format.
Hi Tim,
The key is to "read" the students and their needs just as you indicated. By doing so you can keep them engaged and focused on the content and application aspects of the course while meeting their needs for breaks.
Gary
I feel a learning environment is one that needs to be assessed on a daily bases. There should be guidelines and expectations set in place right from the start. Such as no cell phones,pagers, or i pods on or in class. This seems to be the biggest challenge in Higher Education. I also feel that there should be set breaks for each class based on the students and what you as a teacher feel is there breaking point time. This is assessed by watching the students. You want them engaged the whole time. So if you feel that the discussion is starting to slow them down, take a break. This gives you time to reassess your lesson and the students a break as well. The environment is an ongoing processes to maximize students learning and engagement.
I have found that some of the new mp3 players are being used while students are attempting to complete drawing assignments.
I encourage them to consider if they are focusing on their work wholeheartedly - or if they even realize they are not able to focus by multi-tasking.
Listening to music and working with the design software.
And interesting debate.
I do find we need better lighting in classrooms for drawing.
Overall fluorescent does not benefit the best drawing environment.
I would like to see individually controlled light possibilities for drawing and design classrooms.
The learning sets the mood for learning. You can adapt the learning envirnment can be part of the instructional process by using the tools in the envirnment. Demonstrations, pictures and diagrams can be on display in the room. Students will feel a sense of comfort.
the students and instructor should feel the learning environment is a safe space for sharing, positive support, difference of opinion, instruction and questions
The learning environment plays a critical role in the instructional process. Learners must feel comfortable and safe to absorb course materials.
A comfortable learning environment can be established by the instructor by the tone the instructor sets for the class. As a math instructor I encourage students to ask many questions and work numerous problems so they can absorb themselves in the material.
I think that the environment plays a big role in the instructional process. Generalized comfort levels, both physical and mental, can definitely impact a students interest and performance. Also, the delivery of the content must be level with the students. That can be very difficult in class setting with many levels of experience and knowledge.
Variety, conciseness, humor, comfort and student participation are all very good ways to maximize the instructional process.
Hello Ron,
Yes I think that the learning invitation should be fun so that the students interact with subject that is being taught. which can make for more participation from the students.
Hi Ron,
Well said. This is what creating an inviting environment is all about.
Gary
i have found that when the students are on the verge of falling asleep i throw out hard candy to them you will be surprised at how they respond to this very positive
I think of the learning environment as an invitation to the students to learn. If that "invitation" is comfortable and friendly, the students will want to come. I try to make the environment fun. I want the students to look forward to the class and to each of the sessions within a class.
Stop trying to teach to your own learning style. Round the cycle of learning and incorporate lecture, activities, reflections, and media to address all types of learners.
Hi Susan,
Good point if we last long enough we can reference something that we used years ago because a new version of it has been brought out, like the new Star Wars movies with their prequel tie back to the older ones.
Gary
The learning environment is a critical component of the learning process whether discussing an on-campus or online course. It is important for the instructor to set a tone of respect and open communication to enable every student to feel comfortable in sharing in a safe environment. The instructor serves as a role model in this process.
I feel the same way about Star Wars references. I'm at the very end of the generation who grew up watching the old movies and people even 3 yars younger than me have never even seen them! It wasn't until the new ones came out that I could dust off and reuse my old yoda adages with some certainty that people will get what I'm talking about.
A classroom, for some students, is a place to be safe. This is at all time a focus of mine.
What role does the learning environment play in the instructional process? What are some ways a learning environment can be adapted to maximize the instructional process?
The learning environment is very important in the instructional process because it is gateway to a student's learning. If the environment is not readily clear, understandable, and manageable by the student, the student will not engage in the learning process fully and may be finished before they start.
In the online environment, making students feel at ease with the content and the technology can be a challenge for some. Many students are new to the online environment, so we need to take that learning curve into consideration, making sure that all students are navigating through the course material effectively and consistently.
Proper orientation is half the battle. Then comes the student's necessity to feel comfortable to engage in discussions with the class for all to see. This is where acclimating the students to each other at the beginning of the course will help to ensure that they "know" each other well enough to share ideas and respectfully agree, or disagree; thereby enhancing individual learning and the learning of the entire class as a whole.
