The learning environment is a place for the students to grow and learn. It is also a place to make mistakes and gain experiance.
The environment can be as big a factor in the learning process as the instructor. The classroom environment needs to be suitable to a "learning environment". It should be accessible, open, and inviting. The use of multimedia options can strengthen the connection to the younger generations.
A comfortable enviroment is the first steep to assure a positive learning experence. It counts for the teaching part too.
Learning environment has to be positive and encouraging. This would help increase the student interest in the course.
Our classrooms must be a safe, exciting, energizing place that students will enjoy learning. It is not enough to simply be a subject matter expert.
Michael,
I think this would be a good strategy to follow. Once they have the basics down you can move them into the field conditions so they have a realistic picture of where they will be working upon graduation.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have been careful about environment in the classroom but after reading some responses believe that steps need to be taken to change comfort levels in the lab setting. I have felt that "field conditions" are needed to prepare students; however more comfortable conditions could make it easier for students to learn certain tasks. Perhaps "field conditions" could be used then to test students on those tasks.
It plays a very important role. In order to help the student learn and be more focused they should also feel comfortable.
Tanya,
Thank you for these good points about how to establish a supportive and comfortable learning environment.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A huge role. An educator would need to make sure that the learning environment does not present any challenges or distractions for their students.
The learning environment plays a major part in the student learning because when student comes to class they need to feel comfortable and safe. And not intimidate by their surrounding.
Different learning environments may boost or distract students from learning. For instance, various learning styles need to be taken into consideration. The learning environment can be either instructor centered and the students may not have as active of a role in the learning process, which can often impeed true understanding, especially for adult learners. Other issues such as the design of the classroom come into play especially when considering online versus traditional learning. Learners need to feel safe and be comfortable in the environment in order to really get the most out of the learning experience.
Jonassen D.H., Lowyck, T. & Duffy, J. (2002): Designing environments for constructive learning Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag, pp. 231-247
The learning environment is crucial to the success of students from the comfortability of the chair to the stimulis in the room to the color of the pens you use on the whiteboard. The instructor sets the tone as well. If the are relaxed (in body posture), the class picks up on that. They will be excited and learn better. If students are tense because the instructor is uptight, they will learn less.
I feel that it plays a very large part in the learning process for our students. It they are too hot, students tend to get tired over the time and possibly even fall asleep. In the same sense, if it's too cold of an environment, they also try to stay busy moving, shifting, and appear distracted due to being cold. The students that we teach should be comfortable (with the room temperature and their surroundings.)
Holly Manchini
Karleen,
So true and something that sometimes is overlooked in the instructional planning process but not overlooked by the students when they enter the classroom and/or lab.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The learning environment provides the conditions best for the students and instructor.
It plays a big role. Once a student is comfortable it makes learning easier. Once students are comfortable the instructor feeds off the positive energy for an enjoyable learning experience.
Guillermo,
What are some successful ways you have found to enhance the engagement of your students? Thanks for sharing with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
enhance the concentration, focusing and participation of the students
learning enviroment is very impotant. It motivate student to focus for learning
