The learning environment provides an atmosphere in which the students are able to concentrate on learning and that provides the tools necessary to complete the tasks in each lesson. Some adaptations that can be made are the arrangement of the desks, the lighting, noise level, clear view for al students of the presentation (board or screen for slides).
Hi Sarah,
The environment does have a lot to do with setting the tone for learning. Glad you have a great setting with a lot of color to get your class off to a good start.
Gary
IF THE ENVIRONMENT IS A CALMING AND RELAXING EFFECT THE STUDENTS ARE MORE LIKELY TO RESPOND TO CLASSROOM PARTICIPATION. IF THE ATMOSPHERE IS TO HOT OR NOISY THEN IT WILL BE LESS LIKELY TO SUCCESSFUL. THE ROOM TEMPERATURE PLAYS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR,AS WELL AS LIGHTING,NOISE. I TRY TO BE SURE EVERYTHING IS THE BEST THAT I CAN PREPARE THEM. MONA GRAVES
Learning environment definitely is important. I'm about to teach at this new facility and the chairs are in different colors. The colors are so cheerful. It makes me happy looking at it. I look forward to sitting in one of those chairs.
Hi Michelle,
You make a number of excellent points about how to stay on top of your game as an educator. The need for improvement has to be a constant if we are going to continue to grow and expand our abilities to reach students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
A positive learning environment is extremely important in the instruction of students. A positive learning environment ensures that a student feels comfortable in their setting, without this comfort a student will be unable to focus on the content that is being delivered. In order to feel "comfortable", a student must be able to feel safe in their classroom. The student needs to understand that the classroom is a space that gives them an opportunity to learn and discuss new information without a fear of persecution. As educators, we need to establish the classroom as a positive zone. Thus we need to teach our students that the classroom is an area that welcomes new ideas and conversely, respects ideas that differ from our own.
Furthermore, a positive learning environment is one that has an instructor that is prepared and knowledgeable in their given field. As educators, we are role models for our students. We need to come thoroughly prepared for class. If an educator is unprepared, this sends a negative message to the students – a message that states that that their education is not a priority. Educators need to ensure their students that their education is a priority by preparing lesson plans and enthusiastically presenting these plans to their students. A teacher that is enthusiastic in their teaching transmits a positive feeling to the students; this in turn creates a positive learning environment.
As instructors it is our duty to create an environment that maximizes the instructional process. We must constantly evaluate our classroom and recognize if the area is conducive to learning. We must ask ourselves- are our students in an area that allows them to absorb and synthesize new information? If the answer is “no”, then we must strive to create a better learning environment for our students.
The semi-circle is a great idea. The times I have used it in a discussion class, it has made a tremendous difference. It seems as though each student automatically pays more attention and engages more. Fewer students seem to shrink back and let the more outgoing students do all of the participating!
Hi Janet,
I am a big fan of case studies as well. I use them all time to reinforce concepts I have shared with my students. They get to see application as well. You mention your students seem to like them. What is it about case studies that they like the most?
Gary
Hi Janet,
You make a good point about how little things such as moving chairs and tables can redirect the minds of the students. These effort show the students that you are planning for their instruction and want to make them comfortable and able to focus on the course content.
Gary
In many of my theory classes, I have the students role play a case study. I teach Project Management and Human Resource Management for business. Much of the principles that the students need to learn can be taught through this type of hands-on activity. The students seem to like it and it gives the class some variety to the lecture.
I feel the learning environment is important to the learning process, however, if the learning activity and material are interesting and fun, the students quickly focus on that and not how cold the room is. Moving chairs and tables to adapt to the activity is necessary as well. This slight change can be very important to the interest and participation level of the students.
I think that the learning environment is critical to demonstrating the level of professionalism we want our students to attain; it should be organized, clean and reflect the students' future workplace as much as possible. Medical Assistants, for example, clean and sanitize the lab after each use. They also participate in inventory. The pharmacy technicians have a cash register and shelves with various medication containers to work with.
Hi Dave,
All good points about the learning environment. The setting is critical. I have found if I can getting the setting to the point that students feel comfortable I then can capture their attention. If they are worried about external noise, looking at paint peeling and chairs that might collapse they are not ready to learn. There are enough distractions that they don't need additional ones to take them off task.
Gary
The learning environment makes the students comfortable so they are able to learn. The tables can be arranged so that all students can clearly see any demonstrations and easily ask questions.
For the human brain to retain the maximum amount of information being poured into it, the learning environment must be one that is condusive to maximum retention. Ways a learning environment can be adapted to maximize the instructional process; Quiet area (no street noise, no noise from adjoining classrooms or hallways) Pleasing paint schemes with course related pictures of graphs on the walls, proper room temperature, 15 students or less and an instructor who makes the course material interesting and believable.
Hi Kari,
Learning requires observations of both the environment and the course content. You are right about making sure that the students walk into a supportive and attractive setting. With your professional approach and sharing the policies of the course your students know what to expect. You can focus on developing rapport with your students and enjoy having the opportunity to be their instructor.
Gary
An unfriendly learning enviroment will ultimately hinder a student's ability to learn as it will be a distraction. If a student does not feel comfortable in a classroom, the student will most likely mot make an effort to be present everyday or to pay attention when he or she is in class. The learning environment has to match the curriculum with respect to the learning resources available. Educational posters on the walls, skeletons for anatomy classes, computers and lab equipment; if it is relevent to the course material, it should be in the classroom. In addition to the physical environment, the social or psychological environment should be just as conducive to the learning process. The tone of the class is set by the instructor, not the students. If an instructor allows students to be negative or disrespectful toward one another, the tone becomes negative. The expectations of behavior are set the very first day of class and should be reinforced if necessary to retain an upbeat, friendly atmosphere.
Hi Regina,
A key component of being a successful instructor is the ability to be flexible. Sounds like that is something that you have to do a lot at your school. I know in my case I always have to have a Plan B because no matter how hard I try it seems that Plan A never works. Keep up the good work.
Gary
In the clinical setting the learning environment changes dependent on the availability of conference rooms. Therefore, backup plans are essential.
Hi William,
Well said. The key is to make sure your students understand expectations and requirements. Be consistent and come to class each day prepared and you will be a long way down the path of quality instruction.
Gary
