Be patient by giving them the time and space to better understand themselves.
Be supportive by encouraging open discussion. Ask questions to help them think through their decision, but don’t be too judgmental.
But be practical. It can be helpful to have them set goals and create a timeline. Students need to be proactive and should be ready to invest careful thought and attention to this process.
Encourage your student to participate in an “Informational Interview†or “Job Shadowing†experience.
Creating a positive learning environment will impact not only the cvality of the presentation, but also students motivation, and participation
The learning environment plays a substantial role in the instructional process because it allows students to feel safe and to step out and become risk takers. The classroom environment will also open the door for group discussions where peers can challenge one other as well as give appropriate feedback.
a well organized environment leads to easy learning
Angela,
Right you are so this is why we need to look at the learning environment through the eyes of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It sets the tone for the student and preps them to accept the coming instruction
Oh gosh, this would be very disheartening as a student.
Rob,
Good way to see the environment through the eyes of your students and then help them to be successful in what ever conditions exist. By doing a few things that show your students that you know the environment is not the best but you want it to be good for them you are showing that you care about them and their success under your leadership.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment is everything! It is the key to student success, attitude, knowledge and a true understanding and love for their craft. It is such a thrill to see students who want to learn and love their class!
Jude,
This informal approach is good because it projects the "human factor" to students. As their learning leader you are there to shape and direct their learning and you can do this with your interaction with them so they know you care about them and their success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Although I do spend a lot of time in front of the class, I also think it's important to sit with students, either individually or as part of the group. This works for workshopping student writing, for discussions, for giving individual feedback, for viewing online media, etc. Also, when in front of the class, I make a point of not getting behind the instructor's desk. I prefer to look accessible even when I am most obviously "in charge."
It's amazing how a guest speaker can change the dynamics of the learning process. I mix it up as much as possible with a guest speaker, maybe a field trip related to topics discussed. It really reinforces that what we teach in the classroom environment is relevant. Then afterwards we discuss what was learned by the experience. This way I can monitor if they 'get' it.
Russell,
Great way to connect course content to the real world. The use of guest speakers and field trips shows students how they will be using the content they are learning out in the workplace. They start to see the reason for why you are teaching what you are. When this happens their excitement for the course increases and they start to see how they are moving closer to their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment plays an important role for the students to be able to retain the information and then be able to apply the information that was just taught. Reinforcing this through field trips and guest speakers has been very beneficial for me and the students. They get to see that what we are teaching them is actually applied to the real world and the industry an how important that information is for them.
Aleksandra,
Yes it is and it is something we educators need to consider as we do our final planning for a course session. If a piece of technology does not work by knowing it before hand you can adjust how you are going to deliver your content and the class will keep moving forward. Tough to learn that you can't use something when you have a room full of students looking at you.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment is a key element. You want students to be comfortable with their immediate surroundings and your teaching style. Varying teaching methods keeps the students engaged.
The Learning Environment is a huge component of the educational/instructional process. Some environments are more conducive to learning while others are too distracting. Learning Environments should have all resources and equipment that is needed for each lesson and ensure that the appropriate type of space is provided. When you are planning collaborative assignment, you need an environment that will be conducive to team projects.
Learning environment is extremely important to the instructional process. Since it is often beneficial to use a variety of instructional methods throughout the course, it is ideal to have a flexible learning environment, if possible. For example, one that can be arranged for lectures, then rearranged for small group activities.
Dr. French,
Thank you for these comments about how to establish a supportive and engaging learning environment. Not only do instructors need to establish a clean and attractive physical environment but they need also to consider the social and emotional aspects of how that environment supports learning. You have outlined how this can be done and I know this information will be of value to other instructors, especially those just starting their teaching careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mercedes,
In reality that is the learning environment for students. By having sufficient equipment, supplies and resources the students can focus on what is being taught and they start to feel comfortable in that environment. Good point on how to establish a supportive learning environment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
