I agree that the learning environment should be a close copy to what the work environment should be, but there are other factors to consider. Is the environment in disarray? Does it give and air of professionalism? Does it create interest and a level of enthusiasm for that particular course?
I think that not only should the environment reflect a work environment, but should also create some sense of comfort and ease, along with generating excitement for the field of study.
When students become familiar with the surroundings that they may possibly work in, it is part of the preparation process. Sometimes it can be difficult to simulate thsi type of work environment depending upon the class you are teaching. However, effective interaction with the class and the material can be helpful.
Hi Tracy,
What do you think your students appreciate most about their learning environment? Is the classroom setting, the computers access,etc. Based upon the kind of work that they will be doing once they graduate from the paralegal program. I am curious what they see is of the most value to them.
Gary
Hi Rebekah,
The key is to create a comfortable supportive environment for your students. For some fields it is difficult if not impossible to simulate the work setting so instructors need to do what you are doing. Bring to the students the content and experiences that they will need to be successful in their careers.
Gary
Hi Ronald,
Excellent comments on how to set up and conduct a professional environment for your students. By offering the latest content about the field you are doing a great service for your students. You are preparing them to not only pass their certification exams you are showing them what their future looks like. This is as you well know critical for graduate students because they have the basics from their previous educational experience so they are looking content and experiences that will take them to the next level in their career development.
Gary
As an online adjunct and not having been in a real classroom in over 10 years it is difficult to remember.
The virtual classroom must be easy to navigate and instructors must be well prepared.
I teach graduate level accounting and finance courses and as such I must make sure that the materials in the course and their presentation are up to industry standards as defined by the AICPA (Certified Public Accountant, CPA), IMA (Certified Management Accountant, CMA) and the standards of professional certifications in finance such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and/or the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations. I do not try to duplicate the work environment in my courses but I must be certain that the presentation of the material is in conformity with the levels of knowledge required in the accounting and finance professions. An open but rigorous learning environment is essential to accomplishing these goals. I encourage student questions and discussions every chance I get. I also encourage students to participate in various learning labs made available through professional certification exam providers. I believe that the learning environment has a profound effect on the success of the student in the fields of accounting and finance.
The learning environment plays a critical role in a students ability to learn. An environment that presents stress, violence or agression will cause a student to lose focus.
The learning environment presented at the beginning of the class really sets the tone for the remainder of the class. If the students feel comfortable in the class environment, they are much more likely to ask questions which not only helps me deliver needed information but makes class more interesting for everyone. I try to impress upon students that they should use all the resources available to them including the knowledge of their classmates so I try to create an environment where the students feel comfortable doing that.
I find it difficult to simulate the typical law firm in the classroom but I attempt to demonstrate the importance of deadlines, organization, and professional demeanor which are all important traits for paralegals (and other professionals too).
This is also a realistic expectation in my courses as well. I teach massage therapy, and we try to set the classroom up to mimic an actual massage setting. The students are able to learn their trade in the setting that they will be in when out in the field. It does make for a better transition as they are faced with day to day issues in the class that could very well occur in their practice.
The learning environment should be able to help and support the student stay focused on the subject matter. In other words, it should not open its doors to disruption of the learning process.
Having a proper learning environment can enhance learning and be a motivating factor for the students
The environment students learn in is critical to the overall quality of education they receive. For my classes, I mix lecture, small group projects, student presentations, research, and media. Especially when classes are 3 to 4 hours in length, the students need to have a variety of approaches to the material. Given the attention span of adults, it's critical to mix it up. The other important aspect of the learning environment is access to computers where necessary so that students can dive into research. This particularly important for the paralegal program I teach in since students need to get hands on experience with research.
The learning environment plays a huge part, the more accommodating it can be for the students and instructor will help promote the ease of learning for all involved.
The learning environment has to be safe, clean, comfortable and void of distractions. Students need to have an environment where they can focus on the topic at hand and not be distracted by the physical nature of the facility.
Of course beyond the physical structure we can influence the learning environment to insist upon promptness, respect for others when communicating, electronic gadgets turned off etc.
This is especially true when teaching Graphic Arts where it can be quite subjective.
The learning environment contributes to students’ comfort in the classroom as well as their motivation to study. In the long run, it reflects on their abilities to comprehend and apply the new information and skills they learn.
I totally agree with you. As my students practice their skills in class I try my best to simulate what they will see in their career. Granted, it can't be exactly like the "real world" is but I think it is pretty close.
This is a realistic expectation in my classes. I teach medical assisting and we try to simulate our classrooms to actual clinics. Of course, every clinic varies in its design, but the general concept is the same.
Hi Charlotte,
This balance between lecture and application is a good way to give students real life experience while building up their skill levels. Good model to follow.
Gary
