Classroom Setting
In the past two years, I have noticed that the more comfortable the classroom is, the easier going the students are. When the students are not all stressed out and uncomfortable, I feel that they retain more of the instructional material that was taught to them.
I agree that being too comfortable can set the tone for inattentiveness. Sitting too long can even make students tired, especially after lunch. I like to see students up and moving or working with each other to keep the students engaged.
I agree - some times too comfortable leads to not paying attention.
I believe students should be comfortable but should not be allowed to treat the classroom as their personal living area. Students need to understand and respect they are not the only ones who are in the room
Rebecca,
Comfort in one context could be defined as accepting and supportive. This is what you want to maintain as you set the stage for learning with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with that comment. It is easier to learn in an environment that is conducive to learning. The tables are great for team projects. Positioning yourself in the middle of the room and being mobile relaxes the student it also aids in getting rid of the front and back of the class
I agree if the class is too comfortable, I would be afraid of losing the attention of the students.
I think a classroom should reflect a learning environment to the student
Mark,
This is a good point because the students should be comfortable but also know they are there to learn and be a part of the learning community.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my experience, if the classroom is too comfortable students feel like they are in their living room and then do not pay attention. There is a fine line between comfort and relaxed. I prefer to keep my students comfortable because relaxation leads to inattentiveness.
