It seems to me that students' learning preferences are affected, for better or worse, by their academic institution and classroom physical setting. Over the past three years, I have been an adjunct instructor with a netwoek of schools. In that capacity, I have instructed at four (4) of their locations/campuses. Each of the campuses is considerably different. Two were in well kept strip malls, one of the locations occupied the level just above a business, and the present location where I teach is a brand-new, stand-alone facility.
Student morale and pride is unquestionably highest at the newest facility. Virtually every classroom has large windows for natural lighting. Also, each classroom has an overhead, in-focus machine, and certain of the classrooms even have a Smartboard. Further, the furniture is new and comfortable. Enough about the facility.
Within each classroom, tables (as opposed to student desks) are typically configured into horseshoe patterns. This configuration enables to see the instructor and one another. I believe that this lends to heightened class interaction. At previous netwoek locations, students actually sat at traditional student desks, back-to-back, which (in my estimation) decreased student participation. All this is to say that I believe students feel included and more willing to participate when they are readily able to see one anothers' faces.
I tell my students that its ok to have fun while learning. Laughter relaxes the student and it gets to a point that they do not even realize that they are learning.
Hi Kimberly- Thanks for your post to the forum. We just had the same situation. I finally asked to have our IT staff in the classroom to assess what was happening (or not happening !) They finally figured out how to fix it. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Brian - Thanks for your post to the forum. What great ideas for IT students- thanks for sharing! Those exercises are going to make them so much more competent in their future careers.
Best wishes- Susan
In my computer classes, when we have similar situations, I often have the class use it as a group project to report the issue to the company via a support forum or email. I have them come up with the email/forum posting as a class by providing the troubleshooting steps they performed, if anything was done hardware/software-wise prior to the issue, can we replicate it, so on and so forth. Not only is the class gaining valuable troubleshooting and problem solving skills, but they are also learning more about Netiquette and how to report issues properly.
In a situation like yours, you may not have enough time to do something like this, depending on the responses (or lack thereof), but in the various programs we use for our IT classes, we usually get responses, solutions, or workarounds within a week.
Brian
Well said. I teach computer programs, and we just acquired a new one which is having many issues. I am excited about the program because the technology is amazing--when it works. However, 60% of the time it isn't. We are trying to resolve it, but I see the students frustration. They are in accelerated classes and only get a limited time with the programs. I'm really trying to find ways to keep up their enthusiasm to learn, but it is a struggle. I'd love some feedback on alternatives to teach a computer program that won't cooperate.
Hi Karin- Thanks for your post to the forum. I must say that a distracting wall color is a new one for me, but I have also had my share of unusual things that can be distracting for students. How did you try to accomodate that student? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
The physical setting can greatly impact the learning of the students. If the setting is loud or unorganized, it will surely be distracting to even the most focused student. Visual learners will need to see the board/screen, auditory learners will need to hear, etc. All of these needs must be taken into account.
Obvious things like too much background noise, uncomfortable temperature in the room, poor lighting, etc. are things that can take away from the positive learning environment students need and are entitled to. However, I've even had students in the past who've come to me with their concerns about their inability to focus or concentrate during class due to the wall behind me (facing them) that was painted a strong color. I learned then that there are often things we can't anticipate that may effect the students' learning environment, but the point is to be mindful of it and to do our best to accommdate and support them when we can.
If the student is distracted by the physical setting, no teaching style will be effective.
HI Thomas- Thanks for your post to the forum. You make a good point - we need to find a middle ground between cluttered and sterile. As you mention , the classroom should also reflect the subject being taught. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
HI Beverly- Thanks for your post to the forum. I really liked that you related the need for an organized learning environment to what your students will need to do in the future- create "client ready" spaces. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I beleive it sets the tone for the learning. If it is messy, disorganzed, etc - it gives the impression in my opinion that it is OK to be disorganized and messy in the work they prepare for the course. Since my intent for the course is to have them learn what constitutes "client ready" - a clean, organized and well equipped room fits that bill.
Creating a positive learning environment is very important. The more welcome and comfortable a student feels, the more likely they will be to succeed. Having proper seating, lighting, and space provides an environment conducive to learning. Creating an open, welcoming, positive environment is also conducive to learning.
I think it makes a lot of difference.If the class is cluttered it could distract the student. if it is to sterile the student may tend to fall asleep. Things that pertain to the subject and interest them help make it positive.
As an instructor i need to create a positive environment so the students feel comfortable with me, it makes conversations alot easier.
Hi Karen - Thanks for your post to the forum. Not only are you varying your delivery to reach the various learning styles of your students, you have also described a classroom environment very relevant to what they are learning. Great work! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
The studio environment for fine art instruction is critical to student learning. The work of accomplished artists, student work, old masters work, and lists of common art jargon are prominently displayed. As the students work, I talk to them about the process and reference relevant artists. I am providing visual, auditory and kinestic learning.
The classroom is extremely important for learning to take place. Having it too hot or too cold can affect various learners' outcomes. Having not enough light or too much light can also do the same. If a student tends to be visual and the lighting is too low in a classroom, it may force them to adopt a different style that might not be as effective as their preferred visual one. It is important that students provide feedback on the physical areas where they learn so that administrations can make sure that students' learning needs are met.
Hi Kerry - Thanks for your post to the forum. As a fellow online instructor I agree completely! We have to balance being understanding about our students' circumstances while still holding them accountable. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
