Hi Briana, Thanks for your post to the forum. That is a very good strategy to address the various learning styles! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
If I had a class of students who all learned best a different way I would focus on each of these methods. For example if I was teaching anatomy I would focus on the lecture part, but also have a model of whatever part of the anatomy I am focuing on that day so the students can visually see what I am explaining.
I agree with this completely. I think this also depends on what kind of learners you have in your classroom.
Hi Jeff, Thanks for your post to the forum. While it is probably unrealistic to use all 4 approaches in every class, it is certainly ideal! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
WOuld the best way to maximize potential of all learners in the classroom be to use a content delivery method that combines all 4 of the content delivery approaches
Hi Kurt, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, the proper environment conveys a sense of professional that sends the proper message to our students. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
The environment in which we either learn or work is of the upmost importance. I know from experience that employees stuck in a hostile or filthy work environment are not as near productive as their counterparts in a lean manufacturing environment. Same with students. When they first walk onto a campus or into a classroom there should be a feeling of “oh yeah†in their hearts. The class should convey exactly what is going to be taught…..or should I say “what they will learnâ€. This gives them motivation right out of the box.
I completely agree. The classroom environment is key. With the different learning styles it is also necessary to have supplies and learning objectives that meet the needs of all learners.
I agree that room temperature is a big factor in students to be comfortable, which would make them more relaxed for learning.
Hi Michelle, Thanks for your post to the forum. I'm glad you mentioned utilizing the whole room. Too often instructors remain in the front of the classroom. We need to make every effort to walk around the room to "be" with our students. At my college we have a Module for new instructors called "Burn the Podium!" Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
If the room is too warm or too cold it is not condusive to learning. Chairs need to be comfortable as well as enough writing space for the students. Instructor needs to utilize the whole room allowing time to meet with all students to answer questions.
Hi Rick, Thanks for your post to the forum. it is sad that we need to think about these issues but they are unfortunately a reality. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
The physical setting needs help the student feel secure in that they won't be embarrassed for asking a question or giving an incorrect answer, but it also needs to help them to feel physically safe. With the increase in awareness of active shooter situations, something as simple as keeping the door locked during class can help provide a safer feeling toward creating a more positive learning environment.
Creating a "safe" environment is multifaceted. One is making the student feel safe that they may ask a question or answer one incorrectly without being humiliated. Also, with the increase in awareness of active shooter situations, something as simple as keeping the door locked during class can assist students in feeling a bit more secure in their physical environment so that they can focus on increasing their knowledge can be another way to create a positive learning environment.
The seating arrangemrnt of students gives all level of learning students to interact with other students for re-enforcement.
Hi Kent, Thanks for your post to the forum. Your scenarios sound familiar! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
The physical setting can have a huge impact on the learning experience. Looking back I can remember a couple classroom where major construction was going on right outside the window. The noise of equipment and constant movement was very distracting.
The summer classroom with the broken AC unit in the building is also unacceptable. It is very hard to keep students focused in these environments.
Hi Jane, Thanks for your post to the forum. That is an ideal classroom set-up! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
The equipment in the room can affect the way students learn. In order to reach all students, there should be a projector, white board or black board, and speakers. There could also be materials posted on the walls, or hanging.
Hi Jeffery, Thanks for your post to the forum. You shared great examples of the necessity for appropriate learning environments. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
