As an Online Instructor, this particular question continues to force me to try to put myself into the different settings in which my students perform their work.
From e-mails it's clear that some students are working at a home station the size of a small closet, while their kids are doing "Kid-Stuff" in the background--YIKES!!
Others are using school computers in large study areas, and still others are texting their assignments on iphones while at professional conferences.
As hard as I try, controlling these environments is impossible, so I just try to be as sensitive as possible to the students individual realities, while also trying to maintain a high degree of rigor.
HI Cheryl- Thanks for your post to the forum. As the oldest of 7 children and mother of 5, I also cannot study in a totally quiet environment! I'm glad you got some useful insight from this module. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi,
I teach online. One of my sarting questions is to ask learners where they study and when. Before going through this module, I routinely encouraged learners to find a quiet area that they used at the same time each day. I suggested one free from clutter and perhaps early in the day for their "smart" time use.
Now I see that I should ask learners how they study best and encourage and environment that THE learner finds is comfortable and conducive to school work.
Providing equipment, a place that is respectful of learning. Is clean, organized and conducive to the creative process.
Being aware of noise levels, and individual student needs when working, designing, or photographing subject matter.
I teach a visual composition course, students are learning about photographic gear - I try to encourage hands on learning in addition to preparatory introduction to the gear and reviews to ensure they understand key controls of the camera.
Hi Lewis- Thanks for your post to the forum.You describe an ideal classroom environment - what a great setting for your students to learn! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
HI Kari - thanks for your post to the forum! Also thanks for reminding us that we can do a lot to control the classroom environment by just re-arranging the seating. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
The physical setting can provide a place for students to "hide" in class. I try to have the students in a circle or angled toward the front. I will sometimes assign seats if I know that a student wants to avoid participation. Class is bright and inviting. I stay at the front of class, but move around a little so that everyone can see me, and I can see all of the students. I try to be near them without hovering.
I like to have a comfortable, clean, neat, safe, and positive learning environment. I like to have teaching aids laid out in a organized manner so that students can look, touch and feel prior to class start. Plenty of visual aids such as wall posters, banners, etc. I think the most important thing of all is being positive myself, no matter what other outside influence there is. Students will pick up on it and then it's down hill from there. Remember, to always remain positive and your students will remain positive.
Ms. Polick,
Setting up the classroom, as well as the material to be covered in a varied, yet consistent manner to cover the 4 main learning styles is crucial to having a positive learning environment. The use of color and animation, assigning reading in a timely manner so that it can be broken into small segments, as well as allowing the students activities that encourage movement around the classroom and group discussion. Also keeping the lectures frequent, but in small segments also relieves some of the boredom often associated with lectures.
Comfortable seating as well as proper climate are also an important part of a positive learning experience.
Lewis
Hi Sara- Thanks for your post to the forum. The survey that you mention does not surprise me at all. I recall years of squirming on similar wooden seats in classrooms that sometimes did not have air conditioning in July! ( to my knowledge the wood chairs are still there but the HVAC has been added!! Best wishes- Susan
HI Mark - Thanks for your post to the forum. Your plan will also elimate the students that can't resist email/facebook checking while in class. (-; Best wishes- Susan
A nice, clean, orderly place helps folks focus on the task at hand. Some folks can't think if it looks like there is cleaning to be done--I know I'm like that.
Some of my students can't pay attention if there are more interesting distractions like computers in front of them. Therefore, I am hoping to break some of my classes up spending 1/2 the time in the computer lab and 1/2 the time in a lecture room. This should save some critical computer-time for other classes and it should address some of the needs of students who like to move around.
A student needs to feel comfortable in their learning environment in order to fully be ready to receive shared information as well as participate. I recall a survey was given to students and they complained about the hard chairs they had to sit on during class. New chairs were purchased and the mood changed, their participation increased as did attendance.
Hi Jennifer - Thanks for your post to the forum. Do you find that you have challenges in your learning environment? Any ideas that you can share on creating a stimulating environment? Susan
The physical setting can impact the learning preferences of the students by making them feel more at ease or more stressful. You want the student to feel welcome and comfortable in their learning environment. Also, you want the physical setting to be stimulating to the student's learning.
Hi Jerome - Your description of your greeting and the set-up of your classroom leaves no doubt that your students feel comfortable! Thanks for your post. Susan
On the first day I set the mood for the entire course by greeting each student at door with a positive and up beat attitude. My classroom is neet and orgainzed and reflects my commitment to the students.I have group photographs of past classes displayed as well as special projects and posters students have created relating to the course. My goal is to creat an environment of student and instructor working together.
Varies. For some, they have expectations but from my viewpoint, the student came to learn. Comfortable chair and solid table and the rest is up to the instructor to make the session memorable and educational
I think if the room has the supplies, posters, models, etc. that the students need it makes them become more a part of the lecture.
Wow Joseph -you do an excellent job setting the stage for quality instruction! You obviously put a lot of thought and preparation into your classes. Best wishes for continued success in your taeching career. Susan
