Greater use of technology in the class room is an outstanding accomplishment for any learning environment.
Hi Regina,
You are correct. By not appearing professional you are just increasing the problems you are going to have with class management. The students don't respect an instructor that isn't professional.
Gary
Hello, everyone.
I have taught both on-ground and online, now exclusively online.
My philosophy about my on-ground class was that when I shut the doors, the students would feel that they were in a "safe haven" where they would feel comfortable learning and sharing with me and each other. Outside stresses and distractions were put aside for a while... hopefully. :-)
My online class can also feel safe and focused on learning, but here I need to concentrate more on content of material (whether written or audiovisual) that is easy to view / download/ read /listen to, etc.
In either case, instructor attention to the learning environment in the class can put students more at ease about interacting with the instructor and each other. It reinforces the idea that the Instructor cares. And it follows, so should students!
Much learning goes on outside the classroom as well, as students read, study, and prepare their assignments. Often, distractions and competing priorities for time can become a real concern.
Modeling a good learning environment in the class may help students set up similar situations for learning at home such as finding a quiet refuge for learning for a set period of time.
Best regards, Lyn
The learning environment plays a major role in education. The professionlism of each instructer will set the standard for the students to be able to learn. If your delivery is not professional and your not organized, the student will show a lack of respect for the instructor and will not be able to learn; therefore will not be a possitive learning experience.
Hi Lawrence,
This is so important. The students need to be given exposure to what the real world is going to be like for them. This way they will know how they can be successful once they leave school.
Gary
In class I give them real world time frames to get a task done. The helps build there time in motion skills and prepares them for the industry when the internship starts.
My learning enviroment is having a fun lesson.
The learning environment should be appropriate for the purposes of the class enabling the instructor to meet the goals of the class. It should have the latest technology appropriate for the course of instruction and available for the instructor and the students to use. It should also have a welcoming, comfortable, and nuturing environment that will assist learning.
Hi Diana,
This is why good planning and a stable teaching environment is essential. Students notice a torn window shade or peeling walls no matter how small they are. They are indications that the classroom and laboratories are not of the highest level.
Gary
The learning environment should be focused on the students and their objectives. If students are distracted or not comfortable, their learning of contents will be affected.
How comfortable the surroundings are can have a big impact on the absorbtion of knowledge. If a class or instructor is disorganized it does not make for a condusive environment to learn. The students can be distracted very easily and taken off the learning path.
The learning environment is very important because if the environment is not positive and motivating this will certainly discourage any student.
In my field team work is so important. our computer labs were difficult to lecture in and to get students to interact so I had a large table added to one side and stools set around so that a portion of each classday met "conference style" as in real-world meetings. Students are more attentive and it is easier to make eye contact. Because students are in closer contact they talked more freely and openly.
closer the environment is to the real situation better the learning process
My experience tell me that the learning environment must be both strict and relaxed. Strict to ensure that students feel empowered to learn because there are set guideline in place that point them toward their goal.
I think what I mean by relaxed is that the instructor is approachable and confident. Students are more apt to want to ask more questions if the questions they have asked previously were first taken seriously and second responded to in a fair and respectful manner.
I have had many student complain about instructors who ridicule them for asking questions. They say "Why ask if you're just going to get shot down".
Having the learning envirnment as close to the real work experience will greatly help the students become comfortable in that setting.
At its best, a learning environment will help a student envision a future working in a professional environment.
The area I teach is a very atypical career to get into, so learning environment (facilities, atmosphere, presence of others with similar interests, etc) is paramount.
as professionals it is our job to educate these students in a manner that is educational and also reflects the current industry standard.
It as a great deal to play in the learning environment. This is the forst impression that the students get of you and the insitute. This must be the best example that you set forth other wise they will not take you seriously.
