I teach Humanities. At each class session I cover the tables with fabric that represents the time period or topic we are discussing. For Early Civilizations, often described as "bronze" or "iron" age, I use cloth in browns and grays. For the Byzantine Empire I use cloth that looks like the mosiacs created during that time. I also change the icons for the bullet points on my notes to suit the topic. We talk about the connections. The students really look forward to this, and if I forget to bring the table cloths they are very disappointed.
Hi Jong- Thanks for your post to the forum. I also have had the "profs from hell" and also vowed never to be that way. Nothing is more toxic to learning! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I believe it is very important to create a positive learning atmosphere. It will encourage you as well as your students. I always tell my students about my college days. I had some instructors that were mean and rigid. I dreaded going to class. I tell them I hope never to create such an environment. We are here to learn and advance.
HI Bernard- Thanks for your post to the forum. You have described the ideal classroom - if only we all had it!! Best wishes for continued succsess in your teaching career. Susan
I feel the setting needs to be bright and colorful - (Pictures, Windows, Paintings) so to offer the students a feeling of comfort. It will help relax them and make them more interested in learning. The setting should also offer the proper tools to work with so that they have the feeling that they can get there work completed in a timely manner.
They may tune out if they are not comfortable with the environment if it is alien to their preferred mode.
Hi Connie-Thanks for your post to the forum. As you note. creating the best environment for learning produces great results. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
A few years ago, I participated in the redesign of a classroom to be used for Critical Thinking and English Composition classes as well as other Humanities classes. This room uses tables and chairs that are moveable, and for my classes, I arranged the tables in a U shape to facilitate discussion. The tables also give the writing students room to place their laptops and have books open to write in class. I have noticed a positive reaction on the part of the students and a willingness to participate in class discussions through this design. The environment not only means making students feel comfortable with expressing themselves in class, but the actual physical facilities as well.
HI Larry - Thanks for your post to the forum. As you say, students do seem to thrive when given the right environment for learning. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I am all for a positive learning environment because it makes my job a lot easier and things run alot smoother.The students are more anxious also to dive in there and go to work. It is a win,win situation for all.
The physical setting needs to be conducive to the students being able to learn. From having the right equipment/lab supplies to the lighting and seating in a room. For example putting the tables in a circle where everyone is facing each other can produce a greatergroup atmosphere.
Hi Scott- Thanks for your post to the forum. i especially like your use of the real-life scenarios. Students do respond well to them and it helps them to really absorb the material as they must be able to apply it. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like to use the power points as a tool that highlights the subject. I also write additional information on the board. Using end of chapter videos of real life situations for group discussion is always fun to get different perspectives. As an instructor, you need to smile and never have a bad day.
HI Scott - Thanks for your post to the forum. What an ideal classroom set-up! Usually computer classes are set up in rows which makes it difficult for the instructor to really see what each student is doing. The horseshoe set-up eliminates that. Great work! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
My classes are setup in a horse shoe setting. That way I feel none of the students feel they are too far away from me.
I do think the room needs to be clean, free of excessive junk, and good lighting.
I use a projector, whiteboard, and if open, the smartboard.
Each student has their own computer, so when we do hands on; they can do the task, right at their seat.
I believe that environment plays a big role in all four learning groups. The more confortable the student is in the learning environment, the less likely the student will become distracted and be more "available" to the course. An evironment geared toward the course and it's content, will keep the student more engaged in the learning of the course.
The physical setting is one of the most door opener for anyone seeking new directions with that positive touch. Each person wants to find a part of themself within that environment to particpate with others as well as self development or personal growth. Connecting students to the class environment is not only the goal but connecting students to students with the instructor as the lead person for monitoring each activity. The understanding of the instructor is the most important role one could have performing successful tasks for many minds.
Hi Shari- Thanks for your post to the forum. You obviously understand the importance of the learning environment. Often with short times between classes, rooms can become pretty messy; taking a moment to patrol our rooms before class starts is essential. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
My lectures are about 4 to 5 hrs long and every detail from the lights to the floors being swept and even the smell in the room can drastically change the vibe of the students in the classroom! I make sure that the janitors have cleaned the room out well before my class the next day and I make sure that all the lights are working and that there will be no technical difficulties. During each break, I leave the doors open so the room can air out a little...
Hi Brian - Thanks for your post to the forum. I totally agree - the classroom set-up that you describe is iseal! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
