Diane,
Good advice for instructors to follow. I teach a 6 hour course so I am with you on what you need to do to keep the students engaged throughout the duration of such a long class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
William,
I like this example. It is an exhibit that is being presented and that exhibit is a professional setting for students to learn.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Must focus the students on the longterm future and obectives . showing themand demoing the idea is also constructive.
The environment of the learning environment, specifically the classroom setting should be as comfortable as possible. If the temperature of the room is too hot or too cold, then it is difficult for students (of any age) to concentrate and really absorb what is being taught. The decorations of the room can also be a distraction, from the color chosen for the walls to the clutter on bulletin boards. The furnishings can also pose a problem. In that the size of the chairs/desks is not ameanable to the adult student, there again it is difficult for the student to concentrate/pay attention to the materials being presented.
It has a huge effect on the instructional process. The atmosphere of the room (temperature, etc) can distract from the lesson. Noise levels from inside and outside the classroom also affects the instruction.
That is so true. As well, I believe that comfort is key to good learning. another part of the environment that is very important is to create an environment of curiosity and enthusiasm that fosters learning. That is a lab with ample supplies and projects, so the students will not be bored and better learning is obtained through touching and being involved. I have a lab where the student actually orders narcotics on a 222 form, then create an invoice, count "meds" into containers, check in invoice, fill out a perpetual inventory for each med and use a floor stock reqiusition and patient filling for the meds.
The learning environment needs to remain structured and focus to outlined topics to give the students focus on one topic.
I believe that one of the keys to learning in the
hands on learning environment is alot of visual stimuli.These visual props such as trainer boards and actual equipment which they will learn on keeps the focus on why they are there.
The learning enviornment plays a huge role in the instructional process. If the students are uncomfortable in their environment they may become bored, distracted, restless and hopeless.
Try to create an atmosphere thats calming yet inspires creativity and productivity. I feel very strongly about the lighting in a room. I know most class room contain overhead lighting but I think this ways on the eyes and causes anxiety in alot of people. I would prefer rice paper over the florescent bulbs if possible.
Also seating arrangements are key. Do you want to conduct the course in a cohesive fashion? Try putting the desks in a circle. this will prompt a more intimate environment and is great for discussions and having the students understand each others perspectives and themselves better.
Vary up delivery methods. If you have a 3 hour course. Take breaks often. Dont lecture for long periods of time. Engage in different activities to make the students feel that they are part of the learning process.
The learning environment should first of all reflect the professionalism necessary for the course, program, and institution, but should also appropriately reflect the job setting in the career or field the course is preparing the students to enter.
I liken the learning environment to a museum exhibit. If the exhibit space is not planned, organized, and presented in a way that is provocative and interesting the viewer will "zone out" and very little will be assimilated. Classrooms and labs have this same dynamic.
A poor learning environment is not conducive to teaching. If the climate is not comfortable, or the facilities are just generally ill, the students will likely be more focused on their discomfort than on the material.
Think this: If you wouldn't want to learn there, why would your students?
I feel that creating an environment close to the industry standards helps students achieve higher levels of competency.
Appropriately pacing the lesson plan and learning activities are conducive to a healthy learning environment. Allowing time for those who are having difficulty and enabling those who are not to help those who are, can create a more cohesive class.
The ideal learning environment is key in the instructional process but can't always happen for whatever reason. Because of this, I work with my students on finding strength and focus from within themselves including affirmations which each students creates and uses.
A learning enviroment is a very important and sometimes overlooked aspect to the instructional process. Taking the time to address this shows experience on the instructors end towards making the classroom or setting as conductive to learning as possible.
I love this idea! I am a list maker and usually need to write something down so I can stop worring about it. I can definately take that idea into the classroom to maybe help ease my students' minds. Thanks
Septimiu,
Right you are about the need for creating a clean and supportive learning environment for your students.
Gary
It is very important.A clean,organized,right temp.and lighting,is key....
It is a enormous help if the environment is suited for the students learning enhancement. It must be comfortable on the students eyes,ergonomically approved. Little things can interupt lesson progress, like heat and cooling issues or interruptions.
