Quite a lot. I always make sure that every student is seated in such a way that they can see the me as their instructor without having to twist or turn. Face-to-face contact facilitates interaction and helps students to stay focused on the learning topic(s) at hand.
Hi Jill- Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that we have to do the best we can with the learning environment we have. If that means arriving at the classroom early to make sure it's clean (no trash, board erased etc.) then that's what we need to do. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Jill - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are a perfect example of a hard working instructor who does every thing she can to deliver the best teaching possible! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
This could help the student feel in a better environmment in a class setting.
I really like Loren's post because I can relate with this. We have to work with the resources that we're given, and we can't always set-up the learning environment the way we'd like. I typically teach general education classes which average about 40 students. The room is crowded and doesn't allow for much creativity as far as arrangement. However, I agree with an earlier post that if it's clean and organized it will go a long way to create a positive learning environment. Then it's my job to use the tools at my disposal, including PowerPoint, internet, videos, handouts, music, etc.
Hi Janette- Thanks for your post to the forum. I think that all faculty and administrators face the problem of trying to accomodate our students while keeping our facilities and equipment in good shape. At my college, we require lids on drinks in classrooms but computer labs are still "Food and Drink Free". I think that you have the right idea though - getting students to understand the "Why?" can make a difference. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
So many components come into play regarding - "creating a positive learning environment".
Our school facilities offer a clean & safe surrounding. We do have issues w/ students wanting to have beverages in studio courses - 5 hour blocks- and that has been bothersome for instructors.
Even though we have breaks every hour, students continue to insist upon keeping beverages close at hand.
Having to monitor beverages and food in a classroom equipped w/ computers can be tiresome.I am learning how to redirect students in regard to appreciation for the equipment and the resources available - rather than hound them about policies. I wish we could reach a compromise. As instructors, our primary concern is of disseminating knowledge effectively, making sure they are engaged, comfortable and ready to receive information.
If a student feels comfortable and safe in the classroom, his focus on learning will increase due to the established classroom environment.
Hi richard- Thanks for your post to the forum. i agree- the classroom environment is an important factor in getting students to feel comfortable and engaged. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have found that how students sit impacts their learning and their approach to the class. Sitting at tables or in groups encourages talking. If the instructor asks good questions that the students find interesting, this talking can be about mathematics.
If the students feel comfortable in their setting, they are more likely to be more comfortable to participate in discussion.
Hi Susan-
I believe there should not be many if any at all, distractions. I teach in the evening and I know by that time of the day, im tired...which in turn would make me easily distracted.
I am a firm believer that I am a huge part of the "physical aspect" of the setting. If im tired and warn out and just sitting in my chair-that will have a very negative impact on my students. So I make sure Im ready and pumped for class..even after a long day!
If the classroom is organized, lighting is bright, and its quiet, it lets the students relax and they can concentrate more on the course material and they can comprehend the information more.
Hi Colin - Thabks for your post to the forum. You bring up a significant point. In effect, our students are paying "clients". As such we do not give them whatever they want if we know that it is not in their best interests ( e.g an "A", when they have earned a "D")but we do need to give them the very best education that we can and that necessarily includes the best resources available. Best wishes! Susan
I'm sure this is true for all learning environments, but it seems particularly applicable to the culinary classroom. The look on students' faces when the correct product doesn't arrive or is substandard can be withering! Suddenly the only thoughts on the students' mind becomes, "Why am I paying money to be here?!?" Bringing them back from the brink can prove a challenge.
I agree. I spent a good amount of time before each class period making sure the environment is clean, and relevant. I always include my agenda, homework, and other items of note in the same places each week. The students appreciate this, and the learning environment puts everyone on the same page, regardless of learning style. I then attempt to incorporate various styles throughout the session, reaching as many students as possible in their preferred learning style.
I think a neat orderly environment shows commitment from the instructor. This carries over to commitment then from the student to try. If we can get them engaged...to try we can then reach them and help them learn.
If a student is in a lab that is not well organized, s/he may have difficulty learning the skills that are being taught.
I think that your ability to adapt to the current environment is critical to expanding knowledge. The use of todays technology for learning purposes is a valuable resource to our students success in the class room.
Hi Elise - How very creative -I love that idea! You obviously go the extra mile to engage your students and I'm sure that they appreciate and benefit from your efforts. Best wishes! Susan
