I agree with the previous post; the leatrning environment should mimic as closely as possible the real world work environment the students will face
Hi Laureen,
Great point. This is the human side of being an instructor. Students that see their instructor in such a light know they can go to such an instructor for support and guidance when needed.
Gary
The learning environment is not just the classroom. It is how supportive, approachable and patient the instructor is. Students will learn to the best of their abilities if they find their instructor has all of these qualities.
It plays a and critical role because the physical and the collective environment are as
important as the content of the course taught by the istructor.
A huge role. The environment can range from the color of the walls in a classroom to the attitude of the school as a whole.
If students feel they are not getting value for money in one class or subject area then they will develop a negative attitude toward the school in general or other classes.
Reversing this attitude is very difficult for individual instructors.
The environment of the classroom has an impact when things dont work as expected, furniture is in disrepair or the room is generally a mess.
Anything that breaks the students attention (like internet access in front of their faces) makes it difficult for the instructor to connect with a student.
Classroom environments should be "alive" with inspiration. Dull gray panels in a creative school is a waste of an opportunity.
The learning envrionment needs to be comfortable, clean and inspiring. It must encourage focus and not be disstracting.
That sums up my experience very thoroughly. We don't always have control, as teachers, of all of these elements, but encouraging interaction and planning different kinds of activities for each class, to encourage a variety of learning experiences are within our power. A lively interesting experience can overcome what may be lacking in the space. That's my goal, every day.
Students learn best in an environment where they can interact with the instructor and fellow students,where they can understand the goals, objectives and assignments, where they have required materials to use to accomplish their assignments, where the facilities (such as heating and airconditioning) make them feel comfortable.
The learning environment is very important. I teach a business-related course so I tell my students that we will relate to each other in a business-like manner with order, professionalism and respect for each other. I find that students like an organized environment and the feeling that they are learning!
Scott, I agree. Professionals can and do have fun. The classroom can be professional and fun at the same time.
Janet, it may not have come out that way but I did not mean "high school" in a positive way. I frequently get adult learners straight out of high school and work hard to change behaviors that were acceptable there. Professional does not have to be no fun though. Hopefully they bring some caring and passion to the current field of study. If we are successful that does not get crushed.
One of our roles as instructors is to teach professionally to our students. Each term I find more of our students do not understand professionalism and the expectations of the "work world". I agree the physical surrounds convey a strong message to the students; however, our students are no longer high school students and we do not want our students to continue to think as high school students. We want them to start thinking as professionals, because if they do not they will not survive in the "work world". While the environment should be positive and promote positive learning experiences, it should, also, convey professionalism.
The quality of the surroundings conveys a strong message to the student. Bland and corporate confirm a professional and no fun outlook for the time spent there. A classroom that looks directly from high school will elicit high school type behaviors and expectations.
Many workplace environments are basic and "blah" also. Making students aware of their surroundings and how they feel can actually become a great class discussion about how things could be better, what they would do to improve it and what they think the impact might be of those changes? I love it when I can get students involved in a "how would you make it better?" discussion
The learning environment if very important in the classroom. It helps the students to understand what is expected of them, what role they play as well and to prepare them for their future.
Often the learning environment dictates what instructional methods and visuals that can be used or taught in the class. Also, how the seats are arranged or how easily they can be rearranged can dictate the easy of using team or groups activities as an instructional method.
As a communication instructor I find that many schools do not have adequate visual aid equipment in the rooms to enable teachers to demonstrate the various types of visuals aids available. When I ask about the possibility of adding more visual aid equipment to the rooms, it does not seem to be a high priority.
True. The closest the learning environment matches a real life setting the better they will be to meet the challenges they will from their chosen career.
The appropriate environment will help the students learn and retain information more easily. Helps keep them alert and open to the information you are providing. Proper lighting, seating, equipment is conducive to learning.
The a positive and healthy learning environment is one of the most important objective that should met.
The learning environment should be what the students will expect to be doing in the field. you need to point out the good things as well as the bad things that come along with the job. Don't sugar coat it
