The physical setting impacts the learning preference of students in that sometimes they may be forced to adjust their learning style according to the setting. If a person is a kinesthetic learner and ho hand's on application of the lesson is available, the student will have to adjust to auditory or visual learning styles. If they are auditory learners and the setting is too loud or there are too many auditory distractions, they will have to adjust their learning style as well.
Working in a culinary school, I teach in a physical environment. Students learn hands on. They get to see the learning experience unfold in front of them. It is very rewarding.
Hi Elaine - Thanks for your post to the forum and for mentioning the importance of WORKING technology in the classroom! We need to check that out everytime before we start class. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
It is so important that the technology be up and running. It is distracting and annoying when the projector doesn't work, or the computer is super slow etc.
It depends on the student. I have younger students that become distracted depending on the environment (computer, music etc.). The older student is less aware of the environment and more attune to finishing a task. I try to strike a balance of keeping external stimuli to a minimum. I also make the students get up and stretch their legs often during the class time.
Hi Gina- thanks for your post to the forum. Artwork, especially if it has been created by your students, is a wonderful touch! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I find that displaying interesting photos and examples of student artwork inspires the class, gets the students thinking about applying the skills they are learning in new ways.
Hi Deborah - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are really teaching your students some excellent habits that will serve them well throughout their lives - well done! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have to set my own way, but find it helpful to have order and help the students see that is important. I teach Professionalism and many have no idea they even need to organize their personal habits. So class discussion helps them see things they need to do, so when they go on job interviews all their information is in order, extremely neat. They find it helps them be calmer when they go on the interview.
Thank you Susan
Hi Deborah - thanks for your post to the forum. Although your adult students may not seem to care about their learning environment, as you say, it DOES matter, and they benefit from our efforts!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
For me , I need a organized learning space it hellps me stay focused and organized myslelf.it seems that the adult students I teach really dont care. But I want them to care so I have incorporated thisnin my lessons
I believe a clean environment helps the students to pay attention to the subject on hand. Too many distractions can take away from what is being taught. I like to bring in posters and hands on equipment to help the kinesthetic learners, but I always remove these items as the lecture progresses. Too much of a focal point on posters and a cluttered environment takes away from the ability to concentrate. Being able to focus is key to helping a person learn.
An environment which has minimal distractions, good lighting, comfortable tempertures, etc. is conducive to an optimal learning. For example, an auditory learner would have a challenging learning experience if in a classroom near a noisy hallway or an office with a constantly ring telephone. It would be more ideal to have a more peaceful environment for an auditory learner.
Hi kay - Thanks for your post to the forum. You clearly understand the importance of the classroom environment. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I allow my students to arrange the classroom. I teach in four hours blocks [6-10 PM]; thus, there must be much movement.
We work in groups and move the desks. Of course we have room temperature problems...hot and cold students. Moving seems to help.
The blinds are close adding to the sense of security...sometimes we are the only ones in the building.If we are doing a difficult problem or teach back I allow soft background music…..it seems to help block out traffic and building sounds.
I keep note posting to a minimum and the room is decorated in soft colors.
I also make sure the chairs are a comfortable a possible.
Often times we have part of the class in the library {softer chairs} it really adds to the brainstorming and discussions
Hi Deanna - Thanks for sharing an excellent summary of why classroom environment is important! I recall one long hot summer of Philosophy class in a room with no AC! Best wishes - Susan
I have found that the enviornment not only impacts the way the student learns, but also gives an impression about the school as a whole. A clean environment where all the equipment works gives the impression of success. The student then tends to put more validity in what the instructor is teaching. The temperature of the room is also important. That is the number one complaint I hear about the enviornment. It is either too hot or too cold. Uncomfortable students can't seem to focus on the material being presented.
Creating a setting that promotes learning creates a very positive learning environment. I try to make sure the seats are positioned in a way where everyone can read off the board. I also make sure the lighting is right so the students do not have to strain their eyes.
Hi Sarah - From your description of your own learning preferences, it seems that you will probably need to work on your lecture skills to accomodate your auditory learners. Combining lecture with visual and hand-on activities is a great way to do so! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I will be teaching in the allied health, dignostic field. Reading this lesson has definately defined my own learning style. what are your suggestions as to develop "other" learning styles for positive and effective teaching? I am a visual, tactile, kinesthetic learner.
Sarah
