Hi Chadd,
Your method has them working through a sequence and rotation that keeps them increasing their application of their newly acquired knowledge. Good way to keep variety in your teaching and engagement with your students.
Gary
For my classes the learning environment is very simple because there are only two. The first is the class room where thery is taught. The second is the lab where students get hands on experience applying what they learned in lecture.
I follow the rule of three, lecture, show, do. I lecture on a subject, I show them how to do it, then I send them out to the lab and they do it.
Hi Rachel,
Two things are starting to occur with these students when they are in the clinical setting. They are starting to see relevancy and application to all of their efforts and study. This is what makes it real for them. Good points. Thanks.
Gary
I too teach Massage Therapy. I find that is very interesting to watch the students react to late clients, no shows, or early arrivals as just a small part of what we as MT deal with on a daily basis. I also love to watch when a student interacts with someone that they have truly helped for the first time. Its as if they are shocked and awed that what we do for our clients truly helps. They get to experience the feeling of accomplishment they will have on a daily basis when they enter the workforce. Its rewarding to watch from an instructor standpoint as well. This clinical setting is a great learning enviornment.
Hi Bill,
This is what makes it "real" for your students. By having the classroom/labs set up as restaurants then when they spend their 6 weeks in a live restaurant then they are confident and poised to be have a good experience while enhancing their expertise.
Gary
learning development is like students are in the real field or environment future career.
The learning environment plays a significant role in the instructional process, especially in vocational classroom settings. In the culinary field, all classrooms are set-up as kitchens they would see in restaurant settings.
The final 6 weeks of training for the culinary students is in a live restaurant setting serving the public.
Hi Diana,
What a great story. Thank you for sharing it with us. You are giving other participants a great example to follow to make sure they read the class dynamics and then adjust to keep the learning moving forward.
Gary
This quarter I've faced my first difficult class dynamic. The learning environment kept getting interrupted due to two or three certain student attitudes. I had other students comment and complain about the hiccups in learning flow. Even after severe reprimands, I couldn't keep these particular students' attentions the way I usually taught. So I had to adopt different instruction methods and processes--from a very structured learning environment to a more discussion-based class, where they felt more in control of the environment and what they were learning.
It worked pretty well; however, it forced me to realize that while each class has its own dynamic and learning environment, sometimes there is no way I can remain in control of it using my set instructional processes. The way this class's learning environment had to be brought me out of my comfort zone and made me a better instructor all around. I wouldn't call it a *good* experience, but I would certainly dub it beneficial.
To make a long story short, I found the hard way that the class dynamic and learning environment can directly dictate my instructional process, and that power struggles in the classroom can be managed with just a new approach.
It plays a big role, if students can stay focused and excited about what you are presenting. The learning process will go much smoother for them and for you.
Hi Enid,
This is why it is so important to show the students how the "real world" works. As we all know there is a big difference between the classroom and the work site. Anything we can do to help the students make the transition we should.
Gary
The learning environment can be a strength as well as a weakness to the student. In a good learning environment the student can relate better in the work place. In an environment that is not good, it will have a negative effect on the student by not preparing him/her for the real world.
Staff at clinical rotation sites do take shortcuts and differ in clinical procedures than shown in the classroom. I think it’s good to inform the students that they should not follow by example but instead do what’s best for the patient.
It plays a hige role! Too hot and students sleep or get agitated. Too cold and they lack concentration. They must be provided with enough space to utilize text, notebooks, handouts, and resource material comfortably. Lighting, space, and temperature can make or break an educational experience!
I believe that the environment must be a comfortable and safe environment for effective learning.
The surroundings must be realistic for effective learning as well. I teach nursing and the nursing lab must have enough updated equipment so that all the students have opportunities for learning.
Cheryl
The learning environment should visually recall and refresh the student. Having up to date pictures with terms will help to remind the students of their career goals.
Hi Richard,
Good point about how students must be helped to realize that they need to be respectful of the other students. They cannot be allowed to discredit nor disrespect other students. This requires strong leadership from the instructor because these attacks can quickly destroy a class.
Gary
Learning enviroment is much more than just the physical place. It is only the people present, their ability to communciate and be welcoming and respectful. I have seen students who are blatantly disrespectful and dismissive of other people's idea and who occasionly lack basic tact. That sort of thing is not conhesive to learning if student do not have the confidence to speak.
The learning environment, though artificial, should be as close to the genuine article as possible. The learning environment is also important as a means to keep people focused and productive.
The learning environment should be distraction free, comfortable yet professional in setting to allow for professional behavior. This encourages students to learn in a secure positive manner and allows instructors to also monitor behavior and tweak professionalism when necessary.
