THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IS TANTAMOUNT TO EFFECTIVE EDUCATION. MANY STUDENTS WORK FULL TIME AND ATTEND SCHOOL FULL TIME AND THIS WILL REFLECT IN THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS LEARNING.THEY DO NOT WISH TO DILLY DALLY, NO TIME TO WASTE ON ANYTHING THAT DOES NOT PERTAIN TO THE DAY'S LESSON. LET'S GET IT DONE EFFICIENTLY, EFFECTIVELY AND IN A GOOD TIMELY FASHION.
I teach a class that relies heavily on microscopes and other lab equipment. This makes the environment a bit scary to some of the students. I have tried to keep it fun and less scary. At times we have talked about how microscopes are fun, allowing to see all kinds of crazy fun "bugs." Once we get hands on with some of the equipment, the scary equipment becomes regular, every day stuff.
The learning envirement plays a major role in the instructional process. The adult learner must not only be comfortable with the physical attributes of the learning environment in order maintain a fresh mind for the learning process, but must also be comfortable with the instructor in order to establish a good raport within the classroom. Lighting and use of technical tools are great ways of adapting the learning environment to maximize the instructional process.
The learning environment plays an important role in the instructional process. I remember being in high school in Arizona, and the rooms were not well heated in the winter nor well cooled the rest of the year. We had what were called "swamp coolers" in the room. The rooms were either too cold or too hot, and we all had a difficult time actually paying attention to what the teacher was saying. We were all disruptive because we couldn't sit comfortably in the classroom. So, I guess I am saying the room needs to be comfortable in temperature, and the chairs and desks should provide a level of comfort as well. It is impossible to make everyone happy, but most should be comfortable.
Hi Robert,
You are right about needing to introduce variety into longer classes like your 4 hour one. I teach 3 hour classes and I have to work very hard to keep the students engaged during that period of time. The enjoyable part of teaching though is coming up with activities that will keep the students interested. What are some of the things you do to keep student interest over the length of your class?
Gary
The learning environment is very important in the instructional process. Students can be distracted by many things and have poor attention for a variety of reasons. Lighting, comfort of chairs, temperature, and glare from the windows all can have a negative effect on learning. I teach a 4-hour class so it is very important to provide breaks and a change of pace fairly often to keep the students attention.
Hi Sean,
You are right on with this. These individuals can give concrete accurate input on where your program and curriculum should be to reflect the current status of the field. That is as real as it gets for students.
Gary
Hi Michael,
What appears to be quite simple is really tremendously important in the learning of students. Knowing they are supported and feeling that they can succeed will do much to facilitate their success.
Gary
Hi Sharlen,
Good information about the all important first impression for a new class of students. As instructors we need to really focus on what we can control in the environment and how we are going to handle what we can't. This will enable us to be effective and efficient in our delivery and student support.
Gary
Hi Allina,
You make a number of very good points about how to keep students engaged in the learning process. I teach evening classes as well so I understand your efforts in keeping them excited about learning and trying to overcome their fatigue. Anything you can do to get the blood flowing and limbs moving helps to get the brain focusing on the needed learning areas.
Gary
the concept of using current industry employees for advice would be great here. Have those indivduals come in and asses the work space/materials...frequently!
The learning environment has to be the right balance of encouragement, expectations, experiences, entertainment, and energy to engage the student in the subject matter. This is developed by managing both the hardscape and the softscape of the classroom.
I believe that the classroom needs to be a safe place where students feel free from the outside distractions of life. I can help facilitate this process by closing the door, turn of the cell phones, and by giving them a safe environment for learning to occur.
The set up of a classroom is important for our students to stay engaged during the lecture time. Before I start class, I write on the board what I plan to accomplish in today's class. As soon as all students are in class I go over what we will cover for the day and activities that will take place. I find that if their are activities and games they are more excited about class and motivated to learn. Depending on what topic I am covering that day is the way I will arrange the seats wether they be in a circle, horseshoe or board room style. I think you have to change it often so that students are engaged at all times.
I love that statement, I want to have a sign made. I tell my students who are goin through difficulties,"You are here because you have a passion, make this classroom a sanctuary."
Hello, I believe that the learning environment starts the moment a student walks in to the classroom and can make a difference in the success of the student. It is more than the color of the walls. It is what is on the walls, the lighting, desks and chairs, technology that is available in the room. It is the instructor’s tone, welcoming and friendly, how the instructor is dressed. Statistics tell us that someone meeting us for the first time makes a decision in the first three seconds. That does not give us much time to make a first impression. As an instructor, there are some factors that are out of our control but we can create a friendly environment that welcomes discussion and respect for one another whether it is online or face-to-face. The learning environment is very important to the retention of students.
A comfortable physical environment.
Approachability and availability of instructors out of the classroom.
Puts the students at ease and ready to learn.
Let them know where your headed and how you are going to get there.
A thorough and easy to understand syllabus.
Adapting to different learning styles.
Adjusting for your audience.
Different types of media to keep the interest up.
Define and enforce standards.
Let them know the expectations and grading criteria.
If students are uncomfortable they will not retain the information that is displayed to them. There should not be any distractions during class time. Cell phones are a big distraction and I make it mandatory that they be turned off in my class room. I also have to deal with small class sizes in my school. When we have a larger room, with a small amount of students, I make everyone sit together. It is difficult and distracting when they are all spread apart in the class room. I want the class room to be as relaxing as possible, especially when they are being tested. I want the tests to accurately reflect their knowledge, as does any instructor. Someone just told me how playing classical music before a class can help reduce stress before an examination. I am teaching night classes and have found that changes in scenery can really help. On nice days, I have taken my classes outside for lecture. Sometimes I have my students stand and stretch their legs and do demonstrations. Keeping them moving helps keep their focus on what they are learning that day. Since my students all work during the day, it gets hard to stay awake in class. I have to keep it interesting.
Hi Debi,
You have done an excellent job of setting up an online classroom that provides support for your students. I hope they appreciate what you are doing for them in setting your office hours when you do you reflect their needs and concerns and they know you are there for them.
Gary
Hi Gail,
Exactly in terms of what the outcomes need to be for your students. Real world experiences lead to real world competencies that enables your students to realize their career goals and be successful.
Gary
