The Learning Environment Effect
What role does the learning environment play in the instructional process?
learning is in relationship between the students and environment.The more conducive it is, the more learning will take place.
Hi Kristen,
Well said in relation to instructors being able to help students to "connect the dots" and see the value and ROI on their efforts. If they don't they are going to be gone and no one benefits from their leaving their program.
Gary
I must be interesting and give students a chance to work on their own.
Hi Carolyn,
Soft skill development is essential for career success so the more we can introduce it into our courses the better prepared our students will be. They need to know the importance of having good communication and behavioral skills as they enter the workplace.
Gary
I agree with the teaching a man to fish theory and with career education where the education is focused around an actual profession this opportunity is sometimes more apparent. However, if the material is not directly related to the end result of a new profession or career, some adult learners are not able to "connect the dots." Being able to take essential book material and translate it to real-life experiences and applications brings the material to life, thus "connecting the dots."
It helps to teach soft skills as they pertain to the profession the student chooses to go into. Also, it helps to teach real lofe applications and put a humanistic touch to the classroom.
Bad environments inhibit effective learning. Great environments do not guarantee effective learning.
Hi Erika,
I agree with your statements on simulating the work place as much as possible. This makes the transition from the classroom/lab to the work world much easier.
Gary
It will sometimes determine whether or not you have the students attention--hard for the student to maintain focus if he/she is uncomfortable.
The learning environment can engage or distract students before you even begin teaching. The environment helps establish your atmosphere. Setting up a lab or classroom that creates a positive atmosphere to the students will help eliminate external distractions. This will help aid the instructor and students by focusing more on the subject matter. An environment that has necessary AV aides, dry erase/calkboards, materials, etc empowers the instructor to deliver the material in a more confident approach. As a result, a more fluid and confident instruction provides a much higher level of education for the student.
The learning environment must be conducive to learning, If the facilities are inadequate or antiquated, the student suffers. There is only so much you can make up for with creativity before the learning is impacted negatively.
In a votech school it is very importanant to have the professiona simulated to have the students make a connection between what they are learning and how it will be applied to their profession.
Hi John,
Thank you for this example of how important it is to have a supportive environment for students. My situation was that they were pouring a new roof on our building one hot day last summer. The smell of the hot tar came in through the vents and it was awful. I ended up having to dismiss class because we just couldn't concentrate in that environment.
Gary
You are right,there was a day the airconditioner was not working in the classroom I was using,the students could just not concentrate.
I had to go over the information the following day.This shows that the learning environment actually plays a huge role in learning and retention of information.
I've found in my own learning experience, that if a classroom is too cold or hot, that is all that can be focused on. The same is true if for say a huge storm hits or its a blizzard outside. Students cannot focus. We obviously cannot control the weather, so sometimes a mental break is needed to regain focus and attention in learning.
I believe a huge role is played with the learning environment and the instructional process. I think it's important to look at the level of your students and adapt accordingly. If your students are more outspoken, then try to incorporate that into the classroom.
I believe students can absorb and learn more in an active learning environment. An environment that they are relaxed and can work and make mistakes without being judged. I use many realistic scenerios and role playing in my classroom. It helps the students absorb the information when they can talk it out.
Its crucial to have a conductive learning environment. I have taught in too many that wasn't.
It needs to set the mood for what reality really is. Most of the students have never been in the field so they need to be set up with real life situations. I think if they had that type of enviroment they would feel more confident in what field they are about to enter. I know in some cases this idea of making it realistic is not possible but I do think if you have the opportunity then you should do it.
