The Learning Environment Effect: Before each class starts I try to put myself in the seats as a student to see if they can see the board, if the sunlight is to bright, air and heating of the room is right. I also try to make the students feels as though this is there classroom so that they don’t have to dread coming to class and that it is a relax environment.
Ron Giger
Brenda,
You are doing a great service for your students. They need to have exposure to the "real world" in their training so the transition will be less traumatic when they are on their own in the work world.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am teaching cosmetology and it's crucial the clinic floor represents a salon, so they get the true feeling of what it will be like in "the real world"! Every service they do will mimick the service they will provide in every salon. It is also important to have posters regarding cosmetology in the classroom as well as throughout the salon/school!
Christopher,
The environment cannot overtake the learning process. When students are too cold or hot, the room or lab is dirty or not supplied adequately then the focus of learning is lost. Sometimes administrators forget this point and do not invest the necessary dollars and/or effort into the learning environment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The environment can determine the climate of the classroom. If the students are unresponsive or closed-down, the environment won't be conducive to classroom learning. However, if the environment is warm and inviting, learning will be uninhibited.
Laura,
Good point about the learning environment. We need to look at it through the eyes of our students so we can make any needed adjustments to enable them to stay focused on their purpose for being there and that is learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment establishes opportunities for visual stimulation, hands on application, auditory clarity. All of these components support the students' ability to learn and relate to topic content. Poorly established learning environments short change the students potential. Well thought out environments demonstrate an instructors enthusiasm to reach the students and provides a quality space to develop skills and confidence as they approach their new career field.
Michael,
Good plan because your students at this point in their education need understand that they are training to be professionals. They need to conduct themselves as professionals and understand the standards and requirements of their field. With your approach you are helping to make the transition from student to tech easier.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Since I teach in a votech school I want my lab/classroom to look like a motorcycle service department. I want the techs in training to feel like this is the "real deal" and it's time to act like it.
I also want me classroom to generate some excitement so I put motorcycle posters on the wall that are current and reflect the commitment and passion that motorcycle people have for their sport.
Gretchen,
The learning environment is such an important part of the total educational process. By reviewing through students eyes the environment we can make adjustments and/or improvements that will keep them focused on the prize at the end of their educational journey and that is career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
An organized plan, well functioning technology, lighting that allows you to read without being overly bright, and temperature where the majority is not freezing or burning up provides an environment conducive to learn as well as to teach.
Depending on the age of your audience will depend on which of the items listed above will have the greatest impact. For instance, a freshman class may react more to technology not working than a non-traditional student based course. Whereas a course with older students may be more concerned with temperature and lighting rather than technology.
Sarah,
Little things like some posters, color or comfort help to establish a positive learning environment for students. This sets a professional tone for them as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If a classroom is empty and sterile, the student will not feel comfortable in the environment. An instructor should be focused on making the room inviting and warm, so that the student does not need to deal with that aspect of being a new student.It will allow them to focus on their studies. Making a room inviting could include making a bulletin board with pictures related to the field or posting encouraging quotes around the room.
Mau,
Yes, it will. This sets the students up for success because they are not impacted by a setting that distracts them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
a warm, inviting,well organized, and well equipt classroom allows the student to be more comfortable. which in turns allows them to learn more freely.
The learning environment plays a very important role in learning. Students have to feel comfortable and classroom has to be prepared and arranged in a manner that will provide maximum support to the lesson and less distraction. If the students are concerned with other issues such as the classroom environment, it will distract from the lesson.
Barbara,
How do you set up such environments in your classes?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If a student has a quite and peaceful learning environment, they tend to do better but if it is loud and chaotic they don't do as well.
Leslie,
This important element is sometimes overlooked and shouldn't be because of your point about student comfort. It is critical to keep the students engaged and focused on the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is an important part of the learing curve. I like the room to be well lighted and desks positioned so students feel comfortable.
