Jonathan,
So true and so important. We need to bring passion for our field and excitement about teaching to each class we enter. This will greatly enhance the level of student engagement for our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment is extremely important. It begins with the instructor and the instructor's attitude. If the instructor maintains a confident, knowledgable and approachable attitude, the students will be in a suitable environment for enhanced learning.
Khayyam,
You are making the learning environment fun and supportive. Both are needed in order to get students engaged and focused on how they will fit into the course and what their opportunities for success are going to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If a student is not comfortable in the learning environment, they may not be as focused. There are several ways I attempt to make the learning environment more friendly since discussions is a key component of my class and students are unlikely to speak up in an unfriendly environment.
I attempt to make the environment more friendly and open by 1) opening up about my self and letting them know about my personal interests, although always aware of maintaining appropriate boundaries 2) joke with students before and after class 3) mix humor into the course content as well, normally by providing examples that get the point across while still being humorous. 4) play music during breaks
Joshua,
Student centered teaching is where it is at. Just as you say a dynamic instructor can overcome environmental conditions if they are passionate about their field and dedicated to their students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment is key to student success, but the instructor's personality and delivery are just as if not more important. I have learned and taught in rooms that didn't have proper seating or adequate space for the class, but through the enthusiasm and delivery from the instructor were some of the best classes I took or gave. As long as we can think abstractly and make the best of the situations that we are sometimes faced with to teach in. Then deliver the information in a way that the students don't have time to worry about their surrounding and are excited by the learning. We as instructors ultimately create the learning environment.
James,
This ability needs to be reinforced throughout their training if they are to be successful in their careers. If the students don't know how to adapt and be flexible they aren't going to see growth in their career opportunities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My students are in a clinical setting working with patients of all ages and backgrounds. This causes the enviroment to be in a constant state of change. Students must be able to adapt moment to moment.
I feel it plays a huge role. The learning environment determines if students feel comfortable during the instructional process, so they can learn the information. The students share their experiences with current and future students that can affect the learning environment in our classrooms.
Brandon,
I agree. They have to put forth effort as students as it is their careers that are at stake.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As satisfactory learning environment is very important to the instructional process. If the classroom is not conducive to learning (management, open discussion, respect etc...) the instructional process can fall by the wayside.
I think it is necessary to do the best you can with every student, but agree that the student needs to be committed to learning the material.
Kristin,
This is an ongoing challenge for all of us instructors. I am always looking for new polices that can be used in situations like this so we can all share what we learn on how to manage situations like this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I work at a school that is blessed to have computers in every classroom, which is great when I want students to look something up in the classroom portal or online or to complete freewriting or get started on a major paper in class. The problem with this? FACEBOOK! In this day and age, the computer = more of a distraction than a tool, unfortunately, and so I think it can be a double-edges sword when technology is installed into every classroom. There are times when I can tell who is or is not paying attention, but other times, I assume everyone is working on an assignment and then I catch someone checking e-mail, etc. I guess this is more an issue of disciplinarianism, but I just wish that there were a way to block sites like facebook completely.
Karen,
I agree and really appreciate your comments because they are right on target in relation to establishing a learning environment that is motivating and engaging. We need to see our classrooms and labs through the eyes of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Renee,
It does me as well when I think that 16 million individuals wake up somewhere in the world without a school to go to and this is for ages 5 through adulthood. Then I have to work with students that have an attitude of entitlement rather than opportunity. I work a lot in developing countries establishing schools and I have no patience for someone that does not appreciate what we have in this country.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The role that the learning environment plays in the instructional process is certainly conducive to learning. The students and instructor needs to be in the proper setting and the classroom needs to feel proper so that the students can keep focus and have the proper materials for the subject matter. If the proper environment is not used, the students as well as the instructor will suffer in that the students may not learn the material as well and the instructor may not have the proper materials to teach.
Karen Grassi,
Adjunct intructor, YTI Altoona Campus
I agree. It frustrates me when I prepare for my class and the students are only their for money or the wrong reason.
Debra,
I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I understand your comments clearly. It takes special effort to keep them engaged and focused throughout the evening.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The learning environment is extremely important especially if you teach students who come to college at night and have been working or tending to their families all day - you have to keep their attention.
