Seeking classroom suggestions in aa environment with limitations
I agree that the classroom can greatly improve the learning experience for the student but in many situations the teacher/instructor has no ability to modify this area.I work in a technical training school where my input or feedback is not even considered.I would love to change things up but,some of the factors that prevent me changing the classroom are:I teach a subject for only three week intervals.The next three weeks I may be teaching a completely different subject in a different room to a different group of students.During the three weeks I am teaching,two other instructors are teaching the same subject in the same room at different time frames(teaching styles and students learning styles coming into play).No budget available for modification from original room set-up.No modification allowed without going through an extensive approval process.Not much advance notice of the subject I am teaching or where I am teaching(usually two days or less).No classroom downtime to make any changes between three week rotation periods.I am asking for any suggestions that I can implement in my classrooms,considering the restrictions I previously mentioned.
Richard,
yes & I think it's refreshing for our students to see a variety of tools used, rather than always relying on the ppt.
Dr. Ryan Meers
using the board to reinforce what you are teaching is important when we have limitations,visual learners enjoy more when we draw on the board the different diagrams but also they have more chances to reinforce what they have learned because they can go to the board to label the diagrams if they make mistakes we are able together with the students to correct it ,and students have more chances to interact with each other
Your suggestion of using research and data to promote the idea of the importance of the learning environment is great. Is there any way you could post the references or citiations to articles that we can use?
We have the same teaching schedule, budget limitations and so on, but have found a way to overcome some obstacles. We have stated the case for a positive learning environment and backed up our position with research data. We have gotten some of the instructors together to make the rooms more learner friendly by putting posters, framed pictures etc. on the wall to prove our point. At first we thought this would help and in time it did. We have gone through several budget cycles where the monies were allocated for room decor. We have several "themed" classrooms now and the learning environment is much improved. It is quite a contrast to go from a decorated, themed classrooom to the old rooms that I called "Teaching inside a Casket." I would be happy to send you some photos.
Keith Schieffer
Hi Joe!
I agree there is always something that can be done to improve the environment under the worst conditions.
I have used colored footprints on the floor with key concepts. Student will pick one up at a time and share the meaning of the concept. Good way for a class to study for an exam.
Good job - keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Hi Dennis and others. My last job was the VP of Academics in an IT school. I met resistance much as you speak of as I introduced new concepts other than lecture. You may want to try electronic "modifications" for your classroom. A CD or DVD can bring in "posters," colors etc. You can project on walls or screes, or sen directly to student workstations to enhance the experiance. A moble tool kit may help, and simply rearranging seating may be an option. You're only limited by your imagination. Joe
Dennis
You fully described the learning environment that I and my collages work in. I would love to do any part of what this module has taught us. As you said moving from one room to another every few weeks, moving to different classrooms in the same day, sharing the same classroom where others have no respect for your ideas and creativity, taking away our work spaces and lockers so, now my car is my office cabinet, it is frustrating to say the least and lastly saying there is no money in the budget for anything that I deem relevant to the class learning experience. I try to make the best of it and I believe the students see the efforts I make to enhance their learning experience by bringing my own equipment and learning materials in to the classroom to show them there is more out there then what is offered here at the school.
Hi James!
Sounds like you are doing a great job at being flexible AND creative.
Keep up the good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I have been in a constant state of flux between classes and rooms, to a point where I have a mobile cabinet that I move from room to room with me. Using interesting, creative and fun learning activities that are appropriate to the general learning outcomes of the program have been successful for me and bring the focus on the information rather than the environment.
Hi Dennis!
Sometimes we do work under limiting conditions. So then I think that it comes down to a creative approach to presenting the materials; listening to students recommendations; and having an engaging and interactive teaching style - keep learning fun!
Keep up the good work1
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
