I think this is a great idea to actually give the colors a code. it will help student to remember key points and will help them know what to study. That sounds like a system that has been tried and actually works for you. You could go one step further and use these on the walls, as posters.
Visual aids such as graph, posters with subject matter that is colorful and eye-catching can help improve the learning environment.
I could create a Wall of Fame, using pictures of the projects done by former students. I use music before class to let them know that they are about to learn something new. I use multi colors on the dry erase board to emphasize key points. When students work together on projects we use flip chart and colored markers.
Unfortunately, I feel that many of the ideas mentioned in this module, involving colors, and music and alternative seatings are over blown.
"Some one did a study..." turns me immediately into a skeptic. Studies can be tailored to demonstrate just about anything, and just because a researcher made a conclusion based on their study doesn't justify the concept, and likely another study can be found to demonstrate the opposite.
Besides the fact that I work within an organization that shares classrooms across multiple disciplines, has rules about candy for the students, decoration in the classroom, and a budget that generally limits supplies to necessary items, efforts to incorporate these ideas is often met as "trying too hard,' or overstimulating.
The last module in this course was very good, but this one missed me.
Paula,
hopefully it will. The physical environment really is an important part of the classroom learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am eager to try out some of these techniques. I am not happy with our current classroom environment. The students are crammed together, the lighting is poor, and the temperature is never correct. Maybe, color and music will help
Glenda,
yes, I think when appropriately used the music can be a great help.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am a nursing instructor, I have visual aids around the classroom of the human body. Music sounds like a good idea for casr study participation.
We use posters, banners, and student painted murals on the walls to make the room visually exciting
Color, music and creative supplies helps the brain learning process to achive the needed focus and concentration to help with positive results
elizabeth,
I've heard this from many folks; we just need to make sure that the music isn't too loud for others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I will definetely use Alfa music during student case studies and exercises.
Utilizing posters with warm colors can help improve the learning environment. Playing classical music can help set the mood also. Visual aids such as graph, posters with subject matter that is colorful and attractive to the eye can also help improve the learning environment.
On a personal level I have always had a hard time concentrating in a quiet room. I need some music to help myself focus on the task at hand.
Deborah,
this is a great way to use what you have to approach all of the senses.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
During lab classes I challange the class to design a table layout that everyone can get in and
around, we have limited space but have had some very interesting arrangements! I am intrigued with the stats on peripheral learning. Maybe those muscle charts really do help out!
Rhonda,
I really like the idea of the color on exams, I do think that should help some with the stress.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I will try using color on exams in the classroom to help with the stress level that some students face when taking an exam. I currently use calling sticks(sticks with the students name on it) to randomly ask questons, but i will try using different colors instead. I will try playing music when they are working on class assigments and if that is received well I will play music during test if everyone is receptive to it. There are students that need quiet to concenrate on an exam. I teach Medical Billing and Coding and the insurance portion can use a lift are there any suggestions?
Amber,
this is a great plan. And yes, those evening classes can be a challenge for both instructors & students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Teaching in a new hospital clinical setting with no specific room for conference, except a noisy cafeteria with a TV constantly playing is not very conducive to focused learning. In the past, I have provided colored handouts, used a white board with multi-colored dry erase markers to teach specific topics, such as vocabulary or lab values. At this new hospital, I would welcome any suggestions to help improve the learning environment for my students. There is no place for posters, nor a white board in the cafeteria. Colored handouts seems to be the only option.
