Classroom Enviroment
How do you go about creating a learning enviroment that is not to relaxing but calming enough to motivate the student to stay awake and show enthusiasm about participating?
Cynthia,
Good way to keep the entire class focused on the discussion since they don't know who will have to respond next.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to ask questions of my students by saying, "Jane ~ what can you tell me about this disorder? Ann ~ can you add a little more to this? How about you, Betty?" More student involvement, keeps them on the ready...who will she call on next??!!
Everett,
Ongoing questioning keeps the students engaged and it lets them show you how much they have learned. Questioning is a valuable learning tool when used throughout the class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that regularly asking questions is one of the best ways. Knowing your students' names, then asking a student by name (making sure not to single anyone out) to answer a question or complete a thought or concept is a great way to make sure everyone is engaged. Perhaps a bit of the fear of "Is he going to call on me next?" is a good motivator as well
Jeff,
Good example of how to engage students. You are right they have to be involved or they won't see any value to the course content and how it applies to their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The environment has to be engaging. You can't be Charlie Brown's teacher (Wawawawa). Students need to be part of their learning experience. To do this you need to create an atmosphere of trust where students know it is OK if they aren't correct sometimes.
Shawannna,
I think the best way to do this is through the activities that you have your students do in the course. Put them into small groups and have them work on projects or case studies. These strategies are calming but still keep them engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
