Students who are comfortable are more willing to learn and absorb the material being presented.
The physical setting is an extremely important part of any learning environment. If the coursework requires quiet thought and reflection but loud noise from nearby construction is disruptive, students may not be learning as effectively as they would without the noise.
Other physical factors that can have an obvious impact are room temperature, lighting, and seating. Because students have varying levels of "patience" when it comes to learning, instructors should make every effort to minimize the disruptions a physical setting can have on the process.
Physical setting helps a student become comfortable which in turn helps the student become more open to learning.
Hi Louis, Thanks for your post to the forum. Great comments and suggestions for the Learning environment! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Maria Montessori called the physical setting the 3rd teacher after the instructor and the parents. A physical setting can be visually stimulating and deliver information through imagery,art,and architecture. Acoustics can support the auditory learner. Flexible spaces can be set up to support the kinesthetic learner in the process of making and doing. Quotes from thought leaders can be incorporated into wall graphics for the written word learner as well as quiet areas for reading.
Teaching at a design school - the room must be comfortable and be set up in way where all students can see me and be able to see each other. All learners need to feel comfortable in their learning space.
Hi Lori, Thanks for your post to the forum. That may indeed be a possibility although I am unaware of any research on the subject. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Hi Kristina, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, a warm but professional environment sends a message to students that we care about their learning. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
My kinesthetic and visual learners learn the skills in clinic quicker than the auditory and written learners. I know too that the students dexterity has alot to do with their success in the clinic. Do you think the kinestetic and visual learners have better dexterity? It make since that they would. I had a student who was successful in the classroom but really struggled in the clinic setting. I'm sure alot of it had to do with her lack of dexerity but I wish I could have helped her to be more successful in the clinic too.
I feel that if a physical setting was one that was noisy and filled with other students or even an instructor that did not make the student feel comfortable, he or she would tend to not interact with the class or the activities that are going on in that class. If he or she is in an environment where it's quiet with peers and instructors that they feel comfortable with they would interact with the class, the instructor and any activities that are going on as well. The student would benefit greatly from a positive environment because they would process, receive and retain the information being taught to them much easier then they would from an environment that is not as positive.
Hi Anita, Thanks for your post to the forum. In addition to having the agenda on the Whiteboard,I also like to review at the end of class to summarize what we did in that session. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Physical setting has a huge impact on the student's learning preferences. What they see when they first walk in the room sets the stage for the outcome of class, or at least influences how class will begin.
Having something written on the (chalk or white) board is important. At the school where I teach, we are required to have written SWBAT (Student Will Be Able To) on the board before class starts. I find writing down the outline for what we are doing in class for the day is helpful to the student and myself for keeping on task and letting the students know what is expected.
Students are also keen on what the instructor is doing before class. I like being in the classroom at least 10 minutes before class starts so I can have all paperwork and technology set up and so I can be available for students to communicate with me before class starts.
A positive classroom setting will help the students learn in a variety of ways. they will feel safe,they will feel that they can ask questions and learn by different methods. Developing a trust between yourself and the students is the best way to create a positive learning environment.
The physical setting is important in a number of ways. Students must have an environment they comfortable and safe in. This environment should include tools and instruction that compliment their learning styles. The students should also feel at ease when discussing topics with both fellow students and the instructor.
Hi Ruth, Thanks for sharing good examples of environmental influences for each of the learning styles! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Hi Joyce, Thanks for your post to the forum. You do have a difficult teaching environment but you are certainly making the best of it! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
The physical setting impacts the learning preferences of students according to what their preference is. Students who are visual learners respond to items around the room be it models or posters and they have a comfortable feeling. Students who are tactile, kinestetic respond well to models or items they can manipulate. Auditory learners respond to sound and hearing of things around them. A barren room does not make any one want to be there.
I totally agree with needing a positive learning space. Unfortunately in our school space is limited and I end up doing most of my classes in the cafeteria in the basement. We are constantly interupted by other students using the vending machines and students passing through to go to other classes. I do close the door and place a sign on the door to let others know that class is in session. It helps some. I have a portable white board to write highlights on for visual students as well as individual packets with written information and picture illistrations. We have open discussion in all my classes plus since I teach lab we have a lot of hands on activity. But the enviornment could be inproved.
Hi Suzanne, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, everyone has there own preferences so we do need to offer as much variety as possible. I also find that breaks are vital to keep students on task. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I agree that the physical environment is very important in a students ability to learn. Although every instructor makes every attempt to promote a positive learning environment, it's not always possible to make everyone happy. Getting students involved in their learning and switching things up while presenting material helps everyone happy and relaxed. Allowing for regular breaks, I feel is also equally important to keep them focused.
