Creating a positive learning environment
How does the physical setting impact the learning preferences of students?
Students need to feel safe and comfortable in order to learn best. Yes, learning styles play a huge role but as an instructor i find that the setting needs to adhere to the students needs.
The learning environment has to be a positive one in order for students to feel that they are cared about and encouraged. If we exude a positive outlook on what we are teaching, the students will pick up on that feeling and be excited about what we are learning.
it can demonstrate things that text cant. for example small measurements are difficult to get across but a physical example of two parts going together where you can see there is a very small difference in size is easily demonstrated physically
Hi Sarah, Thanks for your post to the forum. I guess the point is to do whatever IS in our power to control. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Hi Steven, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are setting a very professional tone which is ideal. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
While I agree that a positive learning environment (attractive, well-lit, comfortable setting) does assist most students in better focusing on the material, it's also important to recognize that many of us have absolutely no control over these things. In fact, I know very few instructors who can actually control whether or not their learning environment has comfortable work spaces for students, let alone adequate lighting. Isn't it then a moot point?
A positive learning environment will help the student stay focus and more alert. They will pay more attention as the interactive discussion goes on. They will feel that they are part of the learning team. Creating a set for learning will make their awareness more heightened.
I believe that it is a positive that they sometimes realize aother times learn to expect and feel comfortable with. I alway make sure the class room Is organized , that all tables and chair are in order, that their is a past present and future to the days agenda, all written and audio communications are complete and waiting for them and I try to greet everyone on a daily basis even if they seem to be having a difficult day. I find that having all that in place sets the tone on their focuse on this part of the day being a positive event.
Being comfortable in the classroom is a must. We recently had problems with our HVAC system and the students interest was defenitly not on the subject at hand. I believe you can creat a positive enviroment as simple explaining that the classroom is the place where being wrong is not a problem. School class lab this is were we try our skills. If we are wrong we can be corrected this can also build a rapport between teacher and student.
Hi Christopher, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, the more lively the classroom, the more engaged students will be.
Susan Polick
Setting is as important as the material, if it bland or dark students are less likely to engage in the learning activity, but if it is bright, full of visual aides, and you have hands on pieces of material for them to touch, look at, and study, the material is much more likely to be absorbed
Yes it does.a comfortable room with all the supplies needed helps with the setting.i teach automotive so having Real components in the class ready to pass around is very important.
Hi Thomas, Thanks for your post to the forum. You summarized the importance of the classroom environment very well! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
As with any person in any setting, the more comfortable they are the more receptive they will be to what is taking place. This isn't just a "physical" comfort. Students need to be made to feel as though they can feel free to express their ideas, beliefs, and views in the class environment without the fear of reprisal. In order to achieve true life lessons, one needs to analyze and accept the world around them. That often requires that we consider topics that are uneasy to discuss (at best). If you create a safe classroom, the students will be more apt to both express themselves, as well as be honest. …That's when real learning begins.
Hi Robin, Thanks fopr your post to the forum. You are certainly doing a great job of maintaining a good classroom environment! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
The classroom must be in order. Before class starts I make sure all of the equipment is in working order ie computer, videos, PP, plug ins for lap tops,etc. I make sure the classroom is safe. No cords on the floor, outlets safe, etc. I make sure the climate is appropriate for the season. I encourage students to bring jackets is needed. I allow them to have a bottle of water and maybe a snack bar of some sort. I also give 10 minute breaks for each hour of classtime.
I like for the students to get to know me and my expectations and each other. I like to use lecture as little as possible. I do use it to help understand very important key points, graphs, possible videos, etc. I like to utilize active participation tools and rewards. I try to keep the class fun and conducive to learning by using games, ice breakers, etc. If I feel the students are not sure about some content I encourage them to ask question or write them down and have a group discussion. Case studies are also very helpful.
Hi Stanley, Thanks for your post to the forum. Your emphasis on effective communication is excellent, students feel valued when we truly listen! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
To create a positive class room environment the teacher should learn the names of the students and address the student by name, the name of the student is their identity the use of the words please and thank you will go a long way in showing respect to the student and getting that respect in return. Listening to a student is very important; we as teachers should be extremely careful that in listening that our body language is not sending a different message to the students, negative body language can create a division in the classroom.
Making eye contact is important in creating trust and greeting the students every day at the door creates a welcoming environment from the very beginning. These are just a few basic things one can do to help create a more positive class environment
Hi Tim, Thanks for your post to the forum. I have also had this issue. I found that my students (although not happy) managed to adapt by dressing to keep war. I also brought in coffee and tea in the classroom. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
