Robert,
You make a number of very good points about how to find support, balance and engagement in a class setting. Thank you for these comments as they reflect how a class should be conducted to enhance learning for all.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment plays an essential role in the instructional process. This notion applies to the educator as well as the learner. A setting that is conducive to the objectives and goals of a particular course is vitally important.
As a graphic design instructor, I believe the classroom environment that is needed varies depending upon the course. For instance, a class about digital photo-manipulation requires a room full of computer workstations with the appropriate software, as well as an overhead projector, and a number of other key elements to make the class run properly and effectively. On the other hand, a course in figure drawing requires easels, a platform, proper lighting, and other considerations. Otherwise the course cannot be taught effectively.
Beyond the physical considerations – it is also important for the instructor to foster an environment or (rather) an atmosphere of enthusiasm, energy, and good will, which can all serve as a catalyst for the instructional process.
The learning environment sets the stage for the student, providing a safe environment in which to practice skills without harm. In nursing, we use a skills lab with manikins for students to practice. Having tools that they will find in the workplace allows the student to role play and engage the skill in an environment that is low stress and safe. It is safe for student and for patients. A learning environment similar to work environment provides the student a strong support to enhance the instruction. The student can see the instruction in action through demonstration and practice.
Tammy,
The more you can set up your lab to match the labs they will be working in upon graduation the better. This will ease their transition from school to the real world plus they will see how well they were prepared to enter the work world.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think if your learning environment resembles the real thing it makes the learning process more interesting. My Phlebotomy lab is set up like a real lab and we role play a lot. Like giving Lab orders and then the student will act as if they are a phlebotomist and treat the other as a patient. They learn well from this and they really enjoy it they enjoy it so much they never want to take a break they continue to work.
Sean,
What are some of the ways the learning environment sets the class?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Melannie,
Well said. We instructors must reflect and model the expectations we have for our students. By doing so when they come into our classes and labs they will be ready to learn and become a part of the learning environment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
DAVID,
Like your approach and like your standard of conduct. I think this is missing in a lot of our programs. I teach upper level courses for students that are going to graduate soon and yet I have to spend a lot of my time talking about dress, conduct, and language. The earlier we can start them to thinking about how they want to present themselves the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
DAVID E,
I agree big time about the need to reflect "real world" when providing instruction. You are doing such with your physical setting as well as your dress, conduct and language. You are reflecting the standard of the field of business and as a result your students will be able to transition from college to the workplace more quickly.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment sets the tone for the course instruction.
A poor learning environment will lead to students who cannot and do not want to learn. Students who have an instructor who is late, constantly on their phone, not providing instruction, etc will continue to have bad behaviors back to the instructor and will be more difficult to deal with in the future.
Students who feel they have a good learning environment, ie a safe place to talk about the topics, a structured class, and detailed instruction, will learn the material quicker and find joy in coming to class. They will be more likely to stay in school and finish their program if they feel they have a good learning environment as well.
In my previous posting I failed to also mention that my students are required to dress professional at least one day of the week, that being Thursday. Extra credit is given to those that participate. Needless to say all students dress up that day. All the other days are business casual with the exception of Friday which is casual. My students rarely dress in jeans and t-shirts, they have become accustomed to dressing professionally. All in all, they think and feel they are on their way to successful career in business management!
My classroom environment is such that is a professional feel to it. Extremely simple, which I believe helps in the absorption process of material presented. I dress professionally at all times so that it is understood that since this is a business management course, we must convey a sense of professional at all times. The classroom is free of clutter, temperature sometimes fluctuates, seating is business are appropriate for business offices, desks are polished redwood tops. In my opinion my classroom is uber business-like! Other students in other courses have made comments about our distinctive level of professionalism conveyed. This I believe has greatly assisted me teaching subjects required!
Akuoma,
I think this type of education and experience is critical for students. The more they can get exposure to the setting in which they will be working the easier their transition is going to be when they graduate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Katelyn,
Good for you. The presence of such equipment is a motivator alone. I know when I walk into a lab I am always excited by what I see even if it isn't in my field. Adding the course content that enables the students to use the equipment and you have a win win situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Stephen,
So true. It can play a major role in the engagement and focus of students if it is a distraction. This is why we need to walk through and look at the environment through the eyes of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Creating a learninig enviroment that is close to what students will encounter in the work field of their intended career is very important. The use of simulation labs by nursing schools has proved to be a success. The simulation labs tries to create an enviroment and patient situations close to what students will encounter in the hospital when they enventually start working, this helps reduce the new nurse anxiety and boost confidence when the student has to deal with a similar situation.
I remember from being a student that the classroom itself made me want to learn, I am a respiratory therapist and to have all of the machines and equipment in the room just made me excited to learn more. So I model my classroom off of that.
The more prepared the learning environment is the less distractions there will be and the better the chances of students retaining the information. If they their only concern is learning as much as possible that is going to make the learning more streamlined.
Andrea,
A college is not being fair nor professional if it does not supply the latest equipment and content to students. Instructors should not be expected to teach with broken or outdated equipment. Students are paying to receive an education that prepares them to enter their field prepared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
