Hi Alan - Thank you for your post to the forum! As you point out, each instructor must find the right tone for their classroom. If it feels right for you and your students are doing well -it's all good! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
You must create a environment that encourages learning. I like to have visual aids, reading materials that pertain to the topic, and just an overall comfortable environment. I encourage my students to get involved and try to have a somewhat lax atmosphere. Idemand that the topic is adhered to, yet I want the student to feel at ease enough to want to get involved. I know that some instructors try to have a very regimented classroom environment and I must say that it just does not work for me that way.
I think the largest part in creating a positive learning environment for students is played by the instructor, and his or her ability to keep a class moving in the right direction while still allowing for enough variety that no student is left out of the movement. All of the physical aspects of the classroom, seating arrangement and lighting play a definite part; but it's the instructor's part to keep learners focused on the material. There have been times, as an instructor, I've felt there were too many environmental distractions to maintain a positive learning environment. Yet it usually seems students are able to see beyond the distractions if I'm willing to. I think some of the most effective learning has occurred in some of the toughest learning environments, as long as I've been able to remember to steer learners' attention toward their learning.
HI Debbie- You bring up an important point - instuctors who want to teach online must know how to use the technology. We require our online teachers to complete several online faculty development programs before they teach online. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
My students come to class and freely comment on the condition of the room. I know this very specificly because I teach in a 4th floor classroom where the air comes in from the roof. As you can guess, in the winter they are cold. I don't think it's the discomfort but if I listen to them and take action to make them comfortable shows them respect.
An interesting question given the virtual world of online. However, making use of the various online tools is essential--PowerPoint presentations, whiteboards, etc. Making sure we as instructors know how to use these tools and that we mazimize these tools to meet the various learning styles of our students.
Debbie
HI Olga- Welcome to ED 103! You describe an excellent learning environment - Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Hi Joseph - Welcome to ED 103! So many of our students come from busy homes and workplaces that are very distracting. I agree that we need to have classrooms that serve as a sort of oasis where they can concentrate on their learning and explore new ideas and possibilities. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
when beginning a class it is important to understand how different your students are and how they may interact with others and yourself as well as the materials in class. All students need to have the confidence in their abitlities to successfully complete the materials. This is up to the instructor to instill the confidence in each student regardless of their abilities or level of education. It is the responsibility of the instructor to assess these differences and through planning give the students the confidence to succeed.
I teach math. To create a positive learning environment in my class I need a large white board to work on, a computer with Power Point and a large monitor that all students can see. I make sure that the board is clean, the computer is working and the class room seating is organized before the students arrive. Being organized minimizes distractions and interruptions allowing my class to flow evenly.
I think the physical setting is very important to the students. If the classroom is cluttered and disorganized I fell it adds a destraction to the class.
Hi Walter- Welcome to ED 103! I like your idea of giving some quiet study time for your students while still in class. Too often our students do not encounter questions they may have until they are at home and out of touch with us. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career -Susan
HI Donald - Welcome to ED 103! I agree- in The K-12 environment the classroom environment is probably more of a consideration. Where I see problems in the adult Ed arena is ususlly where there are technology issues - i.e the projector doesn't work, The students' logins are incorrect etc.. It is annoying and upsetting to students. Thanks for your post to the forum! Best wishes - Susan
Provide ample space for the student to learn...crampted class rooms create distractions
It can make a huge difference. I am a big fan of multiple learning techniques, so your room needs preparation before class. I prefer a 'U' shaped classroom so students cannot hide, but during group assignments, I make them sit together in a group.
Environmental factors make a huge difference too. Students will look for reasons to be distracted. Natural light is great, but great views can be distracting so make use of adjustable blinds. Make sure hot/cold is not an issue, and keep the room clean and organized.
For me personally, I need a clean and organized learning environment. As an educator who has taught from grade three through post grad university settings and worked in career education, I have found that those in the elementary schools are much more interested/affected by the learning environment. Sometimes it seems that the adult student is unawre of the environment at all.
I try to give my students (30-45min) study time at the end of each day. I allow talking (in normal tones) and movement about our room for them to work with others or come to my desk to go over any points that they may need to clear up obout my lecture or lab. If any of them find the normal talking or movement of others to be a distraction I remind them that they may be working in the ER,OR or other depts of a hospital where talking and movement of doctors,nurses or other health care professionals is common place.
I create a positive learning environment by explaining the subject to be taught, power point, lecturing, touching, tasting, using product,and asking questions to the class. finally, critique of the finished assignment
Even when the physical environment is imperfect, the ability of an instructor who is experienced in the field being taught to esily adapt can allow for the instructor to have a positive attitude toward any challenge. The attitude of the instructor is usally reflected by the students. When the students can learn in a positive environment, any learning style will benefit.
The student has to feel it is an inviting, welcoming, caring enviroment. Your attitude has a large part to do with that.
