A learning environment can be conducive to learning if it exhibits qualities appropriate to what students criteria might be. It could be as basic as; adequate lighting, quiet, appropriate proximity to whiteboard, computer, desk or instructor. Some others may seem trivial, but the idea is to create an atmosphere where focusing on learning can best be achieved.
Hi John,
The blending of content with application is an excellent way of keeping students engaged in the learning process. The students can see what they soon will be working with and that as you know helps to peak their interest.
Gary
I do the majority of my teaching online. When I do teach in the classroom, I arrange the desk and chairs in a semi-circle fashion as I feel this encourages discussion. I also display the necessary posters and models that are pertinent to the class. Lastly, making sure the technology wired into the classroom is functional is essential as well. I feel all of these things facilitate the instructional process, making it more comfortable for the student to learn.
Don't you find that "tone" becomes infinitely important? It is impossible to control how someone will read what you say. There is the obvious like not typing in all caps but it goes much deeper. I find myself rereading all my posts to ensure it can be received in the tone I intended.
Thanks for the feedback Gary. I completely agree. I often post Discussion Questions and then follow them up with additional questions to take it deeper. I hadn't thought of the discussion groups. It might be interesting to do this in addition to the teams that are set up for projects. Thanks!
In my classroom, which is a small lecture room among the kitchens of the culinary school at which I teach, I have the ability to heat water and prepare some rudimentary cooking experiments to enhance the traditional lecture room setting of a food chemistry class. By keeping a cooking activity going as a real world reference to my lecture, I am better able to engage the part of the class more challenged by traditional teaching and learning methods like lecture and note taking.
Hi Diane,
You have made a number of excellent points about how to be set up an instructional environment that is supportive of learning. Class management will be much easier if you have all the components you have listed in place and organized. Then we can concentrate on our educational delivery and planning for it.
Gary
Hi Warren,
With the courses I have taught online it seems that it doesn't take much to get a series of discussions going on a topic that is "hot" with students. I have also created discussion groups and had them work on a case study or problem together and then report out on it. This gets a lot of discussion going within that group and then when they post their discussion the other students enter in.
Gary
Hi Warren,
You make a number of very good points about setting up an environment that is conducive to learning. If we as instructors don't see the obvious such as the classroom or lab then we are going to miss other things related to good instruction as well. We have to survey our surroundings so we can see them as our students see them.
Gary
I am a residential and an online instructor and found your question to be interesting. I too have difficulty setting up online classes to make them more comfortable. I think the more personable they are - including a picture of yourself in the profile, making use of voice overs in presentations, including group projects for learning assessments, and making use of conference call capabilities,, are things I have done to have a more positive online class set-up. I am open to more suggestions as well.
The physical learning environment plays an important role in the instructional process as students can easily become distracted by their physical discomfort. In addition, an instructor is a role model and an organized professional. Therefore, the classroom should be outfitted with the appropriate technology and support materials. This will reflect the caliber of the instructor and help the student feels secure about their educational choice.
The learning environment can be adapted to maximize the instructional process via the addition of audiovisual support (sometimes technological, sometimes photgraphic or three dimensional). In addition, necessary materials should be on hand, i.e. text books and reference materials. Possible distractions should be as limited as possible (use of window shades/blinds), limit outside noise by keeping windows and doors closed etc. The environment should also be comfortable in terms of temperature control. In addition, varied forms of instruction can assist in making the environment more comfortable as students tend to be prefer different types of presentation. In addition, depending on the type of instruction, student positioning may be beneficial as well, i.e. semi circle as opposed to auditorium style.
Any thoughts on how this discussion applies to an online environment?
You are so right! The students can learn as much--if not more--from peer discussion as they can from the instructor or the materials. Facilitating discussion is a key element.
The environment has great impact on the learner's ability to digest course material. It is important for the instructor to create a comfortable atmosphere that facilitates learning. This doesn't necessarily mean casual.
This can be everything from temperature and aesthetics to the tone of the instructor. One method to maximize the process can be to rearrange the room (depending on class size) to a seating arrangement more conducive to conversation.
Hi James,
Right you are about relaxed and comfortable students learning better. We all work better in such a climate and when we can create that for out students we are helping them to have success.
Gary
In teaching in a mostly Online format, I try to relax the student as much as possible. Make the content easy to follow, and use humor whenever possible to make the student feel comfortable. Relaxed and comfortable students learn better !
Hi Jennifer,
One of the facts about learning is that human beings like routine but their brains crave variety. It is a contradiction I know but it is true. By doing what you are doing with all of the different delivery modes you are giving your students variety in how they receive content but routine in the course structure. This is good use of learning theory and application.
Gary
The learning environment needs to be comfortable and encompass as many learning styles possible. I usually try to incorporate videos, lecture, powerpoints, worksheets, and hands on experiences in each class. The materials I need to do this is usually in each class; otherwise it easily accessable.
Hi Bethany,
The face to face contact from such a seating arrangement is very important when discussions are held.
Gary
Hi Patricio,
What are some methods that you use to make your students comfort in your class?
Gary
