This is one thing I believe in strongly and I try tp produce in the lab environment. If the students are able to feel the authenticity of the environment and can follow the guidelines set by the instructor in the lab environment they can experience almost exactly what it will be like at the actual job site. The more authentic the lab the better.
Hi Sharon,
Good example of how if a student thinks he/she is about to freeze to death they forget a lot of the course content. Same holds true for extreme heat. Good to hear that your school has and is working on making the environment appropriate to be a clssroom that supports learning.
Gary
Sharon:
I have a similar problem in my classroom. I cannot control the temperature due to the way our college is constructed (temporarily in a business center). The units are older and some of the AC/furnace issues have become a problem of late. Not only is it difficult as an instructor to teach when you are freezing cold, retention by students is a serious issue. In additon we have colds, flu's etc. I am hoping that I will soon see the improvements that you have been able to adapt to. I believe that a comfortable environment (attitude, classroom setup, working thermostats, etc.) do make a great impact in how the students learn and how comfortable they are. Great point to make!
Sandra
I have a problem in one of the classrooms I teach in. It was originally a room for storage and as a result there is not a lot of climate control in this room. It is cold in the winter and hot in the summer. It is a horrible distraction for the students and makes it hard for them to concentrate. It's hard to listen if you are shivering from the cold. To the schools credit that have made some changes and the improved environment has made a noticable difference on the attitude and effectiveness of the students.
The learning environment is key to student success. An uncomfortable environment could cause students to be less focused on learning. You want to create an environment that is both comfortable and practical to the learning process.
Hi Paul,
I have the students put away their cell phones, period. I don't want to see them or hear them, period. I am very pointed about this from day one so this ceases to be a problem and the students can focus on learning.
Gary
I'm looking for ways to cut down on the amount of texting that goes on in class. It seems excessive and I cannot imagine it helps with the learning environment.
Exactly right yes and in a lecture based class, information should be presented in as much of a conversational method as possible. No one likes having facts inflicted upon them in uninteresting or unrelatable ways.
The right environment will help students reach their targets.
The learning environment plays a large role in the instructional process. I teach the SS103 class and it is a very discussion and critical thinking based class. If the students do not feel comfortable and that they are in a uneasy learning environment, then this will hinder their learning because they will be afraid to share their thoughts openly to the rest of the class.
I wonder if this applies to a difference students have in knowing they're being graded! I dislike having to give a grade for every aspect of participation the students, well, participate in. I think this leads to a reinforcement of extrinsic versus intrinsic rewards. Even if we're not teaching career courses--we can still equate classroom behavior with a lifelong learner attitude...
I think in some cases you are right, it is good in theory but not in practice. However in some cases, such as Medial Assisting, or Medical Front Office, HVAC, etc. this could be practical. In courses such as General Office Management it is very difficult simply due to the fact that we are limited with how we can simulate an office environment in a classroom as there is much variation from office to offfice, depending on industry.
Sandra
I think that the learning environment plays a large role in the instructional process. If the learning environment is not one which is supportive of the instructors goals or cirriculum it is going to adversely affect the instructional process.
Sandra
The environment of the classroom and clinical ste set the tone for the class. If the student preceives disorder it will be hard for them to focus on the task ahead of them.
The environment could guide and restrict how much students are capable of learning and retaining. I have one class that has a "bouncy" projector and is difficult to look at. If I were a student I would be very distracted by this. Another thing necessary for crucial learning is to have all the things you need to teach for your class on-site. This makes not only planning & teaching, but also learning easier. Having a variety of methods to learn from is critical.
Hi Jason,
Excellent point. If students can see application, transference, and relevancy in what they are studying then you are doing a great job of instructing them. They are going to have to know and use these three words when they are out in the field so the sooner they get comfortable with them and see how they work then the quicker they are going to see the big picture. That is how chefs are developed and become successful.
Gary
The learning environment plays a big role in the instructional process. The closer it is and the more it relates to the actual career plans of the students, the better off the students will be and the more proficient they will be sooner out of school.
Serving our students in the classroom as in relation to how we serve our guests in the restaurant. Can the same relationship that a chef feels for their guest in a restaurant be applied in a cooking class? Is it beneficial and effective to apply this method? As chef instructors we should try to apply as much of our real world experience into our kitchens, after all why are our students there? Some are just starting at a young age in the culinary field, others changing carriers at an older stage of life. Both of these examples have what I believe to be the same goals to learn from a chef who has been there done that and who has the real experience to guide you in the right direction. With post secondary education you get a student who wants hands on experiences. This can also apply to how we deliver our information. By relaying information in a creative restaurant delivery we can begin to open there eyes to what they will truly experience. Ultimately the instructors experience will come into play and we as chef instructors will have to decide how we best delivery the information to our students but if we can put it in a context that we are comfortable with we will be a better educator.
A positive and comforting environment is the best situation to promote learning. I feel the actual room set up should be designed to initiate converstaion between students; such as in a circle. It is also great to have a simulated work environment (preferrably in a different room) were students can role play, yet take themselves out of the room when the stimulus should be lower for things such as testing and discussions.
Hi Eric,
Right you are about the need for real world experiences. Students often have challenges in making the transition from the classroom/lab to the real world setting and the pressures that goes with it.
Gary
