I make sure that I have the material to teach readuy, there is enough operable markers, the homeworks are graded and returned in a timely manner, and by keeping the student posted on where they stand.
Sami,
Right you are about the learning environment. What do you do to make sure your environment is ready to receive your students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Charles,
This is so important and why we need to look at our learning environment through the eyes of our students. When we do that we see the setting differently and can make any adjustments we need to to ensure the students will be comfortable there.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The readiness of the learning environment is crutial for the sucess of the students.
With the state of todays information saturated student, the learning environment must be engaging. Varying presentation styles, utilizing different multi media, and practicing differentiated instruction are essential to keeping the attention of todays adult learner.
I believe that the learning environment is critical to a sucessful learning outcome. Allowing for a conducive learning environment only enhances the stduents experience, which helps you develop as an instructor.
I believe we all need to feel physically comfortable as well as emotioninally comfortable in order to preform any activity. By emotional, I am referring to safe and secure within our surroundings. Fear interupts the ability to focus on learning.
Both the physical and the interactive environment are important, one influences the other. For small classes, the importance of reducing space between instructor and students can be paramount, and a semicircle arrangement of seating is often best for this. For larger classes, I try not to be "bound to a podium", but I try to circulate through the ailes both to encourage contributions and to maintain order when students become distracted. I've also found that getting student input regarding environment can be vital - in one class, a student avoided coming to a couple of classes. This student was a latecomer to the first class period, and chose a seat in the middle of the room. When I called later to find out why she missed the next two classes, I learned that the student was agoraphobic, and thought she had to sit in an assigned position. Because she could not easily see the exit from the room, this produced anxiety for her. I assured her that there were no assigned seats, and I'd make sure she got a seat next to the door in the next class period. The ability to modify environment, therefore, is also important.
David,
Thanks for sharing this information with us. Examples like this are really helpful to other instructors that are just getting started in our profession.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The learning environment effect is a very important part of the equation of learning. Not only on the positive side, when comfort is provided and the resources are available, but also on the negative side. If the class room is filled with distractions or if the multimedia support fails, it can reduce attention, focus and learning.
Learning enviorment plays a very important role. If the enviorment is stressful the students will not learn much because it is easier to focus on the negative topic rathen then the positive.
It is amazing how we make do with what we have. But, with 20/20 hindsight, I realize the importance of NEVER complaining about working conditions in front of the students.
The learning environment plays a major role. It allows students to be comfortable so they can learn. It demonstrates good professionalism and can set expectations as well.
David,
Been there and didn't like it anymore than the students. Last session I taught in a break room, where students and faculty came in to warm up their food and get things out of the community frig. I and the students complained but nothing was done. We were just told to "tough it out". Anyway I was determined to make the best of it so we focused on the content of the course and how we could learn in spite of the circumstances. The class gelled and it was a great experience for us all. Now when I see the students in the hallways we share a laugh about trying to learn while smelling popcorn at 4 in the afternoon. Doesn't solve the problem but it did build a unity with my students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It plays a large role. A suboptimal environment creates exponentially suboptimal learning.
This is a consistent problem in the classrooms. Some have projectors attached to the walls but the screen covers half the white board. Other classrooms don't have screens, so a portable PC and projector have to be brought in.
Some computers don't have Word 2007, so I have to spend ten minutes converting my PPT.
The overall effect is "Why am I spending $60,000? Can't the school afford a new computer....overhead projector....etc. "
Anf on classrooms that require portable PCs and projectors, I'm always gong back and forth to the PC to advance slides.
I.e. not a good learning environment and it's compounded by frustrated teachers.
I agree! The online learning environment must be condusive to the student. The LMS platform must be user friendly and easy to follow.
It plays an important role because it increases student retention and it also allows the students perform better in the classroom.
Jacqueline,
Not really clear on your meaning of this statement. Can you expand on this,please?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
when i give a lecture..I expect my students full attention..
noise/chaotic environment..etc. distract their attention and they do not receive the full content of the course..
the students deserve to be taught in a manner that they will learn to the fullest extent..
Astrid
