In our tech school the learning environment is highly regulated and must meet a government standard. We have limited flexibility in altering
our courses and syllabus. I do create lesson plans
to meet the need of the course and we add objectives to the the information of the syllabus.
Addition material is always given to bring the students up to date with the latest technology and we have many hands on projects. I lead the students thru the text by lecture and always use supporting material and equipment examples for show and tell to enforce the learning experience.
The learning environment should be free from distraction and consist of appropriate resources and learning materials conducive to learning.
I believe that the learning environment is critical to the success of the student. I have found that when the class is crowded and there is not sufficient room, the student have a harder time focusing on the class material and become distracted by each other. Students get more agitated, and seem to act out more. Trying to overcome the physical space issue required a lot more positive energy from
myself as an instructor, trying to divert their subconscious attention from themselves.
Craig,
You last two words really set the tone for class. Respect has to be a key part of any learning situation.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A positive learning environment is where students feel safe. The first rule in our class is to establish a zone of respect. Students learn quickly that speaking in front of the class, being an active participant, and sharing ideas, will never be a humiliating task in our class.
Ideally instructors could have more imput into the desgn of the classroom, the temp,layout, and more, but for now I will insist on a respectful environment.
Batrice,
Having current equipment in sufficient amounts for all students is essential. To have less is unfair to the students and their education. Good point.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Environment is a very important aspect of this process. Depending on the environment, students will behave and perform differently. If you take an automotive student and put them into an office environment, their demeanor totally changes. Which means that you have to change your approach to hold the interest of those students. Some students are more difficult than others but with the right approach they can also flourish in this environment as well.
If the student is not in the proper learning environment it is very hard to instruct in in the correct way. For example if you are teaching a lab class and you do not have the proper lab equipment, you are not going to be an effective instructor.
It plays perhaps the most important/critical role. Learning is heavily influenced by this.
Sharon,
That is a good idea as well. The more feedback we get as instructors the more we can customize our instruction to meet their needs.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Pamela,
Glad to hear it. It is frustrating to prepare content and being passion for your field to the classroom and find that the students will not be motivated by anything you say and do because they are their for the $. This incoming group of students will enable you to enjoy teaching about your field to individuals that want to benefit from the instruction offered.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I really like the idea of taking a seat where the students sit and seeing the room from their perspective. Another good idea could be taking a quick survey on any suggestions the students may have.
I agree I have had a few years now of student just coming to school for the stipend money and thank goodness we are getting new financial aid rules so maybe we will get students who are more interested in the classes they take.
The classroom environment and structure demand as much attention as the tools of assessment and the selection of instructional materials. Students move both physically and psychologically through their school days. Thus, the classroom environment embodies the physical and affective tone or atmosphere in which teaching and learning take place.
it is very important for the student because if there are a lot of distractions within the classroom or maybe even to cold or hot will make it difficult for students to focus
Diana,
Thanks for sharing this good advice with us. The personal touch is a good way to encourage proper behavior on the part of students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In a positive and professional learning environment students will be more focused and centered at the task at hand thus enabling them to process information/instruction and learn more effectively.
I have encountered this situation several times. It's surprising because you are supposed to be teaching adult people who are in your class because they elected to be. In these cases, I usually talk to them in private and give them the opportunity to explain themselves. I have found, in my case, that 99% of the time, this solves the situation.
Kate,
Thank you for raising these good points about the need to have a positive and supportive learning environment online. This sets the stage for student engagement and interaction.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
When teaching an online class you might think "I'm not responsible for the learning environment" but that is not true. The instructor needs to make sure that the students are comfortable navigating the classroom and have the correct information in order to be "present" in the classroom.
Students need to be able to view PowerPoint slides --- so the instructor needs to carefully prepare slides so that they are visible and capture the attendees’ attention. Audio needs to be clear and free of distractions and peripheral noises.
