Creating an Inviting Environment
It is important to create an open and inviting environment for students. I believe the real trick is doing this without leaving any openings for students to take advantage of the situation. Most students look to an instructor they can trust and also relate to. If you make yourself approachable and also give the impression of being knowledgeable you will be successful with this.
Hi Peter,
Good suggestions for running a classroom and getting the students settled into class.
Gary
I used to teach enormous lectures and I had some tricks that worked pretty well:
1. Bring an ipod or boombox and play some music while the students walk in
2. Get there early and putter around while the students wander in (clean the blackboard, look thru yr notes, etc). Students will come up and talk to you if they want, but you're not left hanging out staring at them like a dolt.
3. Dont let them eat in class- its really distracting
I believe that creating an inviting and non-threatening environment is always a positive thing for instructors to do. This also lets the student know how much the instructor cares about their learning experience.
I think the easiest way to create this environment is to start asking questions of the students. Start with "what is your program", "how long have you been attending" and then go on from there. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, especially if you make it comfortable. I want my students that it is OK to speak up, ask for clarification, and to let others know of their experiences.
Hi Bobbi,
What do you see as the most effective ways of creating an open and inviting environment for your students based upon your teaching experience?
Gary
