I let them talk about their experienbce and achiementsa they are proud of and praise them for them.
I also give them some personal feedback on what I have been doing and how I can help to answer some questions or concerns they have.
If the learning environment is chaotic, unprofessional, highly energerized (almost frenzied), no learning takes place. You spend your time calming the students and atmosphere. If the environment is professional and calm, learning will take place. Being prepared with handouts, textbooks does much to set the atmosphere in a classroom. If the equipment is not there or not in working order, you alter your instructional method. Be flexible. The class as a group will sometimes determine the instructional method. Older students may want to go through the work step-by-step as a group. Some groups rather work individually, requesting instructor for help only when needed.
Hi Stacey,
Good points all. Everyone wants to feel welcome in a new setting and to know that the instructor cares about your success is very important.
Gary
Hi Patrick,
A quality learning environment is much like first impressions it sets the tone for the class. What are some things that you do to help make the learning environment welcoming and positive for students?
Gary
The learning environment helps to facilitate learning in that, if you have a relaxed environment, the students will be relaxed as well and therefore can learn better. Several things can be adapted to maximize this by having a relaxed attitude yourself, but maintaining classroom control.
The quality of the learning environment has a huge influence on the learning process.
Hi Fred,
Well said. Not only are you sending the message that you are a professional and that you want your students to do their best you are also telling them that your standards are based upon business standards. By learning and complying to these standards now the students will be well prepared to enter into and succeed in their career area. This is powerful and essential for their future.
Gary
The learning environment is a major factor in the instructional process. Telling the students the room setup and seating assignments are a result of experiences in the business world help to establish a professional attitude in the classroom. Explaining that the grading system is designed to grade on the requirements of the employers that hire our students adds to the professional attitude of the students. Reminding the students of pass due assignments and approaching deadlines developes a results oriented student and future employee.
Hi Richard,
What are some of the things that you do to create a supportive and comfortable learning environment in your setting?
Gary
I believe a learning envirorment should be conducive to learning. Which means comfortable, relaxed and not under pressure.
Good learning environment motivates the students to think creatively and encourages positive interactions with other students and the instructor also opens to courteous discussions.
Learning environment should be easy availability of learning materials and examples of great scholars and leaders in the field that have achieved greatness through learning.
Thank you,
Manju
Hi Joel,
For the subject area that you teach what have you found to be the ideal class size for maximum interaction from students and your ability to meet the needs of the students.
Gary
knowing the material that you are going playes in part to lab enviroment and evertopic runs in timing manner
student to instructor ratio in a vocational invironment class size should be smaller
Hi Jan,
I like to use the round table discussion format in my classes because it creates a sense of community with each group. They are more willing to share in such a setting plus they can have eye contact with each other much better. They also feel more connected with their group in this setting.
I use the straight classroom lecture setup some times and then break them into the round table setting. This way I am giving them variety and they get to move around as the get into their round table groups. This allows them to reset their minds and refocus on learning.
Gary
We are all human and therefore affected by our physical environment. I think that adapting the classroom setup to the lesson can be very helpful. For example, the round table format for discussions as opposed to the straight classroom lecture arrangement. I would be interested to know if anyone has had success with unique settings and if so what were they. Thanks. Jan
Hello
The learning environment affects each student and sets the tone for the expectations, rigor and professionalism that the course demand. The classroom should be well-lit, comfortable and there should be a welcoming feel, particularly for my adult learners who have already spent a gruelling work day. Humor and caring and empathy are vital ingrdedients in this mix
Hi Robert,
By backing up what you are talking about with visuals you are reinforcing not only the mental part of learning but the tactile and visual as well.
Gary
I think that it is important to stimulate the student's curiosity for learning and having the appropriate materials and visual aids, such as models, pictures, etc., may spark that interest.
Hi James,
How to do go about setting up for the beginning of a new class making sure that everything is clean and orderly?
Gary
