The learning environment can hinder or help classroom instruction. Students must feel relatively comfortable and relaxed in order to focus on the instruction.
Some adaptations: move chairs and tables into a circle to facilitate discussion, and require students to sit towards the front of the classroom rather than crowding to the back.
Hi Heidi,
You are right about being able to mix with and work among people in different career stages. As our students enter their careers they need to understand how these different dynamics work, if they don't they are going to have some real challenges in the work place.
Gary
Hi Thomas,
Way to describe the dynamics of a quality learning environment. This is what education is all about. Involving all the learners in the process of acquiring new content and skills.
Gary
The learning environment needs to consist of mixing students together at times. This helps students to develop the skill of working with new people. This is an important skill to have in the job world.
I find that the environment is particularly important. Knowing the environment determines the method of delivery. Preparation is half the game in the education business. I believe that the environment plays into what is being taught. Example: Medical Course – Lecturing In the lab provides association with the material that would be presented. It up lifts the student’s attention and increases it as well. Promotes interaction with those who normally just sit in the class room. Lecture, demonstrations and evolving the student in the lecture/class room activity is a dynamic platform to learn from.
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 critical. Students need to feel comfortable. They like to have technology. At our campuses, we use a lot of lab and hands on things to enhance the environment. We encourage instructors to use field trips.
We try not to have classrooms set up in a lecture configuration. We utilize group seating if possible.
Hi Solita,
Great to hear about the helpful information you have received. Good luck with your course next quarter. Let me know how it works out for you.
Gary
Hi Andy,
Visual representations and examples that can be displayed really help to set the stage for student learning. I like you like to put things up to create images in the minds of my students of what is to come and is possible.
Gary
I teach a computer science course so I'm in a different lab each semester. I believe preparing the classroom a couple of days or weeks before the semester starts sets the tone for the classroom. Making sure I have the right equipment and the equipment is functioning makes a huge difference. I also make sure the students have a understanding of what's expectd of them on day 1 and what they can expect from me as their instructor.
I also experience issues with setting up a course that I teach online and residental. It's actually a hybrid course so I had a few issues with setting up the course the first time it was introduced. What I did was setup a student lounge in blackboard for students to post any questions they may have in reference to the course, basically the forum is used for the students to chat and get to know each other. On the weeks that we're online I hold a live chat session and discuss the chapters that are assigned for that week and the week's that we're on campus I normally go over their lab assignments and answer any questions the students may have in reference to the material we discussed online. I'm definitely going to use some of your tips in my course for next quarter.
I believe the learning environment should be just as important to instructors as the material itself. If a student is able to feel comfortable and safe in his environment, it will foster more student participation. Therefore, I have found it important to begin the first day of classes with exercises that allow the students a chance to interact with other class members and their instructor. My activities always relate to my course content as well, providing a great introduction to the course.
Hi Trudy,
Being aware of what your students are seeing is a big part of understanding the learning environment. From your comments I can see you have that part understand and a part of your learning strategy.
Gary
Hi Kristine,
The working word here is comfortable and you are doing everything you can to make your students feel that way. Are there any activities you use to give your students quick and easy success right at the beginning to keep them from becoming overwhelmed with the upcoming course?
Gary
Hi Cheryl,
Great outline of how to make online students feel comfortable and a part of a class. This is going to be as close to being onsite as they get and your approach helps them to feel welcome and supported.
Gary
Hi Jaynelle,
You are right about the need for a comfortable learning environment. Our adult students have taken a risk from the beginning to enroll in the college and to take classes. They need to be supported in their efforts and decision. A positive environment with a dedicated instructor will do much to help with that needed support.
Gary
The environment, I believe plays a critical role in the instructional process. I teach a variety of graphic design courses and the entire concept of graphic design focuses on visual communication. Students need to be in an environment that is conducive to creativity and learning. I like to put posters and various examples on the walls for stimulation and reference for my students.
The learning environment can help students feel more at ease, which will help them to focus and learn the content better. Desks/tables can be rearrange to maximize interaction. I think having desks facing each other can increase interaction, since some students aren't looking at the backs of other students' heads.
Things that help students know what to expect are to put the main points/activities on the board, and having a set place where assignments and tests are placed when they turn them in. Shades can be adjusted to let in light or keep out glare from the sun. Temperature can be at a moderate temperature.
It is very important to make everyone comfortable in the classroom environment. It makes interactivity more relevant and useful.
For our interior design program, the environment plays a huge part. I use the classroom itself as a teaching tool, from the furniture to vinyl floor tile to what's above the ceiling tiles and HVAC systems. I also rearrange furniture when we have group discussions so that we are all facing each another instead of in rows, which helps the students engage each other more.
I agree the environment can help or hurt the students learning abilities. I think this is the situation in onlkine courses as well. The "environment" is different, but students can feel uncomfortable if for example, they aren't familiar with the technology, or they don't feel a connection with the instructor.
