The learning environment has a profound effect upon the students ability to acquire and retain new information. There are so many components to this question, it’s hard to know where to begin. Perhaps the easiest way to answer this question is to break it down into the specific aspects of the general term, environment. Here are a few of the major factors that a teacher should consider:
Physical environment: a student’s ability to be comfortable in their physical environment deals
with multiple factors such as,
-the design of the chairs
-the placement and arrangement of the chairs
-the amount of lighting in the room, as well as the type of lighting in the room (fluorescent, incandescent, LED, natural light, etc.)
-temperature of the room (this can be a real challenge with a diverse group of students). Variables in temperature sensitivity can be wide due to age, body type, and factors such as menopause.
-Acoustic properties of the classroom, and ambient noise in the environment
Social environment: a student’s ability to feel that they are comfortable with their learning companions can have a profound effect upon their ability to learn.
-Age ranges
-ethnic composition
-socioeconomic range
-academic level of the students
-religious / ethical backgrounds
Emotional environment: this is often set by the teacher’s instructional style and approach. They can set the tone for what the students will expect during their classroom studies.
-Is the classrooms emotional environment rigid or laid-back?
-Are the expectations for learning high or low (Note the Pygmalion principle)?
-Does the teacher display any partisan or biased opinions during class instruction?
In short, the degree to which a student is comfortable in their physical social and emotional classroom environment will have a huge impact upon their ability to master the material that is being presented to them.
Dr. Jonathan D.French
The learning environment is important - but I find that setting up your own environment through tools, videos and supplies makes the actual classroom setting less important.
The learning environment plays a significant role in the instructional process because if the student is not feeling comfortable in their environment and don't feel comfortable with the curriculum then they will not walk away from the course feeling inspired and not feeling rewarded from it.
Summer,
I think this is a good way to offer instruction to students. By keeping them in the "OR" mode they will see the value of the content being offered and the skills being developed. Also, their transition to the real OR setting will be easier since they have been in the simulated one for the duration of their schooling.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I really like teaser questions. I sometimes end my class with a teaser to help the student feel excited about the next class.
The learning environment needs to fit the context of the material teaching. I teach surgical technology, so I like to have my students in a mock OR that gives them the feeling of what it will be like in the real world. Now during A&P classes it will be a different setting, but for Surg Tech specific classes I like them to be in "OR" mode through the duration of class.
The learning environment is critical for the students to be able to focus on the course topic and not extraneous issues.
Amy,
We need to see our classrooms and labs through the eyes of our students, which means what you mentioned in your comments. Each work station must have the equipment and supplies required for that session and everything ready to go for them. If something isn't there or a piece of equipment is broken then we need to have a backup plan that will enable the class to continue to go forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a graphic arts teacher, the learning environment is key. Every student must have a computer or they are not going to get the most out of each lesson. It is a challenge to keep students on task when the have the temptation of a computer in front of them, though.
Daniel,
Like your approach because you are looking at your teaching environment through the eyes of your students and this is very important. By seeing what they see you are getting ready mentally to be the learning leader you need to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is important to "own" your classroom. Before I teach a class, I try and visit the classroom a day or two before the first class session (even if I have taught in that room before) and look at from both mine and the student's perspective. I will sit in a few of their seats to get a feel for what they see when they are in class. When possible, I will re-arranged desks to help make the class more conducive to a discussion.
I teach introduction to computers so I like to bring different parts of the computer in so they can see it first hand.
I Think the learning environment plays a strong roll in the the educational process. The class room not only needs to reflect the chosen field but it also need to inspire the students to want to do great work and see photos of prior student work and what they were able to achieve in the class.
Sheena,
Right you are about the value of a positive and supportive learning environment. It is a must and thus we need to review it often through the eyes of our students so we can make adjustments as needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment plays a huge roll in the instructional process, not only for the student but also for the instructor. To have an environment where the instructor is comfortable and has access to tools necessary to teach, the students will be engaged and learn. If the student has a comfortable environment to learn with the tools necessary, they will be engaged and will want to learn.
Mark,
Good example. It is easy to overlook the environment when getting ready for class. By looking at it through the eyes of students you can make the needed adjustments and have it ready for them so they will focus on the course content and not the temp.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sofia,
Like your approach. The strategies you are using will help the students to develop the skills needed to operate in the real world. I really like the requirement you have for them to leave everything as they found it, in terms of being clean, neat and in place. This increases their accountability in the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Its a lot like going to the movies: if its too cold or too noise you can miss some key scenes of the film. thus, not understanding dialogue or what you are seeing.
I think the environment is critical. I am reminded of this when I take still required
competency exams, especially those requiring skill demonstration. If I am made to feel comfortable and welcome my ability to perform up
to my skill level is enhanced.
A learning environment that resembles the real workplace is essential for my DSM (diagnostic medical sonography) students. Most of them never had a chance to work in a clinical setting and interact with real patients. Obviously all the equipment and supplies (bottles of gel, printer paper, exam gloves, draping paper, etc.) should be prepared before the lab starts. To get closer to a real-life scenario I am asking my students to work in pairs: one is a sonographer and another the patient, with some kind of impairment (like hearing or vision problems, English as a second language, elderly, etc.) This is fun for the students. They learn not only how to provide competent diagnostic studies, but also learn to interact with a diverse group of patients and meet their needs.
One more detail. I request that my students leave everything the same way it was set up before they entered the lab: the equipment turned off, bottles of gel filled up, exam table covers changed. This is supposed to become their regular habit.
