Jodi,
Good point about the learning environment. We need to make sure we see our classrooms and labs through the eyes of our students and make sure we make the setting as comfortable and supportive as is possible.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's very important. I agree with the comment that if the students are not comfortable in their surroundings, the more distracted they may become and not focus on the lesson. Students tend to always sit in the same place, even though there are open desks. They get comfortable with the environment setting once they have "their place" and hopefully will focus more on instruction.
If student feel like the learning environment is uncomfortable either by other student's or the instructor, will minimize there learning experience.
The learning environment plays a crucial role in the instructional process. If it is conducive, it keeps the students focused on what's important. If it is not conducive, it will bring about major distractions in the form of negativity, complaining, etc. It could even spark up negativity that's not even related to the learning enviroment.
It plays an very important part in the learning process, an enviorment has to provide comfort and stablity for the student. Must have all necessary supplies and resources in place for the students, and it must be limited to distraction. It is the place where the student must focus on the material at hand.
Erica,
I have experienced this as well. I try and work with the students but I will not let their attitude affect the learning of the other students. If they disrupt the class I will remove them because the other students do have the right to learn. I try to help the challenging students to find someone in the college to help them with career planning so they can find an area that appeals to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Erica,
Students need to have multiple sources of content input available to them and you are providing such through all the different venues you are using. These all serve as re-enforcers to the students as they move about the classroom and lab.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have the same problem and don't know what to do sometimes. It is tough when there are students there that aren't there for the right reasons.
It's critical to have a positive learnin enironment where students feel encouraged and supported, and also to have a physical environment that supports what they are learning, such as posters of muscles and bones, a skeleton, etc. All of this combined makes the students ecited about learning.
John,
You make a very good point about not letting a student disrupt the learning of others. No one has that right so we need to manage such students by helping them be successful in our classes even if they are enrolled for the wrong reason. I like to challenge myself to see if I can win them over. On the other hand I will remove a disruptive student from class so I can continue to help the students that want to be there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment plays a large role in the instructional process. Students need to feel safe and comfortable both physically and mentally.
When you have a student that comes to school for the wrong reasons, you as a teacher have got to try to change the environment for that student so they do not become disruptive during your class. It is our job to create and mold each student weather they are there for the wrong reasons or not.
The learning environment is huge! The atmosphere must be professional, open, and condusive for learning. Any change in the environment that violates these above characteristics would be detremental to the students learning process.
Margaret,
Right you are about the learning environment. A comfortable and supportive environment enables the students to focus on learning rather than the temp.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It plays a huge role. The environment needs to feel balanced, secure, safe, and comfortable. That way while your body is relaxed and at ease; your mind can be ready to focus and take in content and context.
Rod,
A positive environment is the foundation of success for students. Your comments are right on in terms of how we need to approach the classroom and set the students up for success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It plays such a vital role. If a student is not comfortable , the student will be distracted from from learning.
The instructor needs to instill a positive learning environment from day one. He/She needs to make sure that all students are onboard with these expectations so that the class can have the greatest impact. Besides the lighting, temp, comfortablity of chairs, etc. If the positive learning enviroment exists some of these other issues can easily be overlooked.
John,
I wish you much teaching success. Keep up your professional development and you will enjoy a wonderful career as an educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Tiana,
A positive and supportive learning environment sets the tone for the learning that is going to occur. We need to remember this as we make preparations to start a new class and see our classrooms and labs through the eyes of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
