Classroom environment
I like the idea of creating a welcoming, productive environment for your students by evaluating the classroom prior to class. I have found that for certain course topics, the desks should be rearranged or thought-provoking ideas should be presented on the white board as students enter the room. I like the element of surprise when students arrive, to excite them about the course content for that session. Any other ideas or things to look for in the class room prior to class?
I like to be there early to be available for the students. It also allows time to make sure equipment we will use is running and write fun stuff on the white board!
If students need assistance, then I can offer help.
It also just lets me relax before the ramping up of energy for the actual class period!
Hi Gail,
In resorting to Plan C and your adult learners sensing it immediately what was the result? Did they feel uncomfortable with the changes or did they respect you for your ability to make changes and still stay on topic?
Gary
Hi Gail,
I like the way you are "reading" your students and offering them different learning opportunities that involve changing their comfort zone a bit. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I have found that it's not really the big changes that result in the greatest effect in the classroom. To me and my students, who are adult learners, it seems to be small gestures and changes that evoke the biggest response. I think that when students realize that the teacher respects them and their efforts, it translates into quality "interactive" learning.
Interesting concept of the "back pocket" idea...unfortunately with my classes I sometimes have had to resort to plan C in the first 10 minutes of class...adult learners will sense this immediately!
At times my classroom is rearranged for other classes and/or functions and when the class comes in they will be very vocal about the change...it usually prompts a good discussion about being open or resistant to change. I teach a "success" type class, so change is something that I like to return to in discussion. The problem though is that when other teachers use the technology in the classroom for DVD or Internet my class will want to watch DVDs as well. It has made me more creative in the materials I gather to instruct the class. I like the element of surprise as well. The time when I had a few flip charts and packages of markers on the tables for a project was an instant success!
Good point. I should always be striving to improve as an instructor by looking for opportunities for growth.
Thanks,
Nathan Foster
Hi Nathan,
The key with instructional growth is to be on the lookout for ways of improving and expanding one's abilities as an instructor. We have to find and select those things that will work in our setting and within our abilities. It is with that criteria that the new strategies will become successful.
Gary
Interesting idea. That would take some thought and time to change things in the classroom setting. I am sure that for some classes in helps, but for others we may need to find other ways.
Prepare to hold their attention, move in logical steps forward, have plan a , b and c in your back pocket (expecting the unexpected, I back up my backups).
