I think that the learning environment is one of the most important yet hidden factors that add to the efficiency and learning capacities of the students. In fact, not just teh sudent but the instructors too are able to deliever their course content better if teh environment is conducive to learning such as the temperature and facilities in teh class.
Tabitha,
Right you are. Students must see the ROI for themselves in relation to relevancy and application of content. If they can't then their interest and engagement is going to drop off quickly.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The learning environment is critical to supporting the student's ability to focus on the course content. If the environment is not conducive to learning, than all the preparation and instructional style has not been maximized.
It plays a very vital role. I think you should sync class environment with the subject that you will be teaching. For instance: Teaching a automotive class just in lecture is not going to teach the students about a hands on career.
Lovie,
What are some ways you help your students stay up with the pace of the class when they have events occurring in their lives? Thanks for you input on this. I know it will be of help to other instructors.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Students usually learn at the rate their lives are focused at the present time.
Chanda,
That was a tough teaching environment to say the least. This is why we need to be flexible because we are going to encounter such challenges all the time.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The learning environment is very important to learning. Something a ssimple as the heat being up to high in a room can completley turn the interaction of the class off. I had one class where the room walls were too thin and my class could hear the move being played in the next classroom. Very distracting.
I believe it plays a vital role in the student's success. They must be comfortable in order to open their minds to new information and experiences.
Outside of content, learning environment is the next most important or of equal importance. You can have a safe positive environment, however, if the content is not well organized then learning decreases. Inversely, if content is strong and environment is lacking positivity, safety and motivation then learning will decrease as well.
I agree, the environment is paramount. The instructor has the biggest part to play in this. I remember as a student having very intelligent teachers, but sometimes these teachers didn't make me comfortable. Sometimes they picked favorites. We need to give each student equal attention, and sometimes that involves putting our personal preferences aside.
The learning environment plays a vital role in the students learning. Having a confortable and quiet place the learner will be able to focus on the content presented
The learning environment is very important! Posters and other relative materials and decor can be very inspirational in a classroom. you want the student to feel welcomed and inspired by the atmosphere in which they are recieving their knowledge an skill!
I believe that the learning environment is plays a huge effect on the instructional process by allowing students to be comfortable while learning. If the classroom is distracting, then the students won't pay attention, too dark, they may sleep, to big, they can disappear. There needs to be a good balance of all things so that the student can learn the most.
The clinical site presents an ongoing challenge when attempting to provide the student with a comfortable environment, conducive to learning. Conference rooms are always at a premium in the hospital. As a result 'making do' often means using an empty patient room in which to have group discussion.
Norrisjean
Because my class schedule changes from phase to phase, I try to watch the blinds, room temperature, outside distractions etc.. to make sure the enviroment is aiding the students anfd not fighting them. If a construction project is right next door, I tend to close the blinds to prevent distractions.
Environment is a very important aspect of learning. If a student is uncomfortable in his or her surroundings then they are less likely to have the ability to focus enough on the subjects in order to retain the information necessary.
Managing expectation is very important because it always differ from class to class. The standard never changes but expectations are relative to the subject and individuals that makes up the class.
John,
How do you manage the different expectations on your classes?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Different expectations with individuals cannot be regulated and it does pose a challenge
