It is very important to have an appropriate learning environment. I have found that some students always find something to complain about and the learning environment is typically one of these areas. As instructors if we can be prepared: have the classroom ready, supplies ready, make sure technology issues are resolved, temp. of room is appropriate, handouts, exams, assignments are ready etc.; then the flow of the class will be more smooth. If issues do arise then we must maintain a positive attitude and not give in to complaining about the mishaps of the day. Always have a plan B if plan A falls apart!
Gary,
The answer to this question is "it depends". It depends on how your school approaches assigning classroom or labs. My school has me teaching in a long narrow room. The seats are only three rows but they are very long stretching from wall to wall. This means that the students setting in the 3-4 end seats on each side of the room cannot see the board or screen. My school does not care that this is not a good learning environment. What I do is to rearrange the room before the students arrive so the seats are in a horseshoe shape and all can see. The students appreciate that I care about them being able to see and that in spite of the difficult classroom I am striving to make it a positive place to learn. The result is that the students like the class, I have earned their respect and together we are moving forward in learning. I share this story to help you think about what adjustments you can make to make your classroom a learning center. Try to see the setting through the eyes of your students and then go from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment plays a large role in how the students learn. Are instructors limited by the classrooms they are assigned to teach in or can adjustments be made with a short amount of resources and time?
Brian,
Good point about a clean environment in which to teach and learn. We need to see where we teach through the eyes of our students and this will help us to make sure we make it a good as we can for them to attend.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with the need for a clean lab. I believe the learning environment is very important. I realize it is not always possible with funding but when teaching a lab course equipment should be well maintained and functional. I have taken lab courses and a lot of the equipment was broken and the surrounding was very messy. I understand that it may not be in the budget to replace broken equipment but have a clean environment is always possible and should be a priority.
The learning environment sets the tone for the class and course content to be delivered. Just like each instrument of an orchestra the environment needs to be in harmony with the material to be conveyed. The surroundings need to be conducive to student comprehension. In short, the role of the learning environment is to be the stage on which education is conducted. Every element either increases or decreases the probability of information acquisition, retention, and conceptualization.
If a student is not comfortable they are going to be concentrating on the way they are feeling and not they should be learning. Environment can also be used an excuse when it comes to student outcomes.
Therese,
The more opportunities like this the better. This is what the education of your students should be about. You are helping them to see that with hard work they can be successful in their chosen field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
David,
These videos are great ways to bring the field into class. Your students get to hear from these administrative leaders how they approach their work and what they are seeking in terms of well run healthcare settings. This I am sure gets your students excited as they start to see themselves in such a setting in the near future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is important that the students practice their skills in an environment similar to the one they will encounter in the work place. I have my students role play with one another talking as if they are the real medical assistant dealing with a real patient. We invite other students from different programs to come in for phlebotomy lab once they are competent with the steps on the "simulator" arm. These volunteers give my students feedback that help them improve their skills.
I teach primarily in the field of healthcare administration. Although it is not feasible to conduct field trips to simulate the administrative office setting, I find it beneficial to use videos to hear professionals discuss and debate the various administrative "issues of the day."
Katherine,
This is such an important part of the total planning process for instructors. Yes students need to have a strong foundation of knowledge as well as skill sets that will enable them to care for patients in a professional and humane way. Your point about this balance is a good one as educators in your field strive to prepare the next generation of health care professionals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having a simulation learning lab is a critical component of any healthcare professional education. Most of the students I've worked with over the years would like to spend more time in the simulation lab than in the clinical setting. I believe this is due to the students feel more comfortable in the lab; knowing they can't harm a patient.
It's a very delicate balance in healthcare knowing how to balance all of the needed environments; didactic, simulation lab, and clinical rotations. When nursing faculty fail to plan a truly balanced curriculum, students are faced with significant deficits and self efficacy that make their future courses more difficult due to the scaffolding structure of nursing education.
Rachel,
Great way to kick off a class. It demonstrates the professionalism that is being brought to the class as you mention. This is key to demonstrating that you have passion for your field and are enthusiastic about teaching your content. This is what an instructor of merit is about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having the needed materials to instruct ready to go before class, so you are not fumbling around looking and preparing once students are in front of you. Make sure the computer, power point and speakers are ready to go! If you need "show and tell" type items have them ready. You will look like a million bucks if you are prepared. If the materials are not available or equipment isn't working you have to adjust your delivery for the day. The thing I see a lot is instructors openly complaining in front of students about something they are not happy with. For example temperature of the classroom/lab. It is not professional and it does not make the institution or the instructor look professional.
Melvina,
What are some ways you set up your learning environment for success?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Virgil,
Good point about the classrooms and labs. Coming into such a setting helps the students have a mind set for success rather than being distracted by clutter or dirt.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
the learning environment will help students to be comfortable
The classrooms being very neat and clean keep the students from any distractions. The learning enrironment is very important in keeping the students focused
The learning environment effects how comfortable the student feels in the class and also can help with attention. Labs and rooms set up like a working environment would be is much more interesting and keeps attention than a lecture hall setting for most students.
