I have not used colors or music in my classroom. I always felt that white walls introduce a positive learning environment in the classroom, but now I would be interested in using different colors during the instructional hours to identify the impact of learning retention.
I have always used a vast array of color in my classroom. Whether drawing on white board or using colored paper for different assignments, to having student pick their own colored index cards. I love color. I even let them pick out 2 hair colors if they all passed the entire class with an A. I have blue, pink, green, yellow, purple, and normal as well. Visuals are all around the classroom, but I have never thought to move them around to change it up some. I will be trying that very soon. Seating is very hard due to our campus schematics. However, I will be trying a couple of the suggestions that I can. The creative supplies and music would be totally new to me, but open to trying. Music will be fairly easy, but not considered the most creative individual, using creative supplies might be the hardest part for me. Can't wait to experiment next term!
I've experimented with music in the background during composition exercises with mixed results. Thanks for the tips on copyright-safe music.
Having read the comments and infomation utilizing visuals and music is a great idea; however, I work at a for-profit college and we are not allowed to use any of the following.
Ziaul,
yes, we do need to encourage the overall learning process & not limit ourselves just to the immediate content.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Encourage overall learning process.
Garry,
this is a great point that you make here. Even our "new" & "exciting" ideas can become stale & routine if we don't keep them fresh & mix them up from time to time.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Deborah ,
another great idea is to associate the colors with different class concepts. This way, when a student sees red, he/she knows this is important vocab, etc.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Cheryl,
and adding the color & even the "prelude" music is an effective & low-cost way of helping to make the class an even more engaging place.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Where I work at the moment it is really hard to do much. I am in different rooms throughout the day. I do use a variety of visuals and try and get creative with projects. One of the things I like to do, if possible, is have the students use bright colored clay to create structures if teaching an A&P class. I have found the students really enjoy this and it helps retain the information. I never really thought of the seating arrangement until this class and I will have to think about it for future projects.
My opinion is that the classroom should be fluid based upon the reactions or “lack of itâ€, from the students. My days in school were strictly books and nothing but the books, but this generation rely on visual input as their main stay learning vehicle. Changing the classroom layout from time to time during a course helps move students around and allows for those who like to hide find a place up front and meet new students. Any wall graphics should be moved around or replaced to bring a freshness to the classroom. Adding any new or updated video material to help support the curriculum bring something new to the learning process.
It is clear that audiences (and students are an audience!) are stimulated with sound, color and texture - why else would advertisers use all of these methods in directing our attention to buy? I have used many of these techniques over the years, but have to admit that I get complacent and forget to jazz things up. These are great reminders to bring out some of the techniques I've used in the past (music and color) and add some fresh ideas as well.
Using color paper for handouts is one way to bring some excitement to the classroom. Alternating the color paper brings even more excitement as each student will want to know why the handouts are different colors, what does he or she have that I don't have.
Thank you,
Deborah
I am considering adding some music as the students enter the classroom as a start. I was also thinking of buying some air freshener, I like that idea. Stores pipe in smells to keep customers more engaged so it might work for education as well-I think I will give that a try. Since I am a part-time facilitator I do not have a classroom that I can make changes to, but I think I can find ways to add color, I usually only use plain powerpoint slides, but I could add some color there.
It definitely varies on the type of audience and the type of information you are asking your students to grasp.
I particularly like arranging the students in a circle during lecture and in the lab. I believe it gives students that may be a little apprehensive so ease in learning. the students are facing each other and cna see each other at all times. Being in Baking Labs, visuals are a must. It may be drawing or demos i perform. I alwasy include project where the students are drawing the products they are producing.
Well, using music that has copyright issues could be a comliance issue so that might be tricky. I like making my own power point presentations that are rich in color, graphics, and cool photos. Students always love images.
Creating a multi - sensory learning environment is not only exciting to the students but to the instructors as well. The color of the walls of the room , the peripherals, even lighting and perhaps the smell of the room will set the mood of the students as they enter the classroom.
And hopefully that is the mood for learning and staying focused on the class activities.The physical aspect of the room helps a great deal in making the class experience conducive to learning.There is a lot less pressure and tension. And we have students feeling comfortable and enthusiastic.
Changing the colors of the classroom has helped my classroom seem more personable and has facilitated learning. I also try to use different color paper for assignments to change things up and keep the students interested.
Peter,
this is very true. We do need to be careful that we don't "overgravitate" to one part of the class but spread out evenly.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
