Classroom environment
I have personally noticed that classroom environment is a key to success. I have been instructing the same 2 classes now for 1 year, and this last term I have had better classes meaning grades and attitudes. The room I was in was small and cramped due to the number of students and equipment/lab space. This last term I had more students but a room that was 2 times the size and a separate lab space. As for myself, I have had a more positive out look on the class and I have seen how this change increased the level of learning.
Lawrence,
Good way to bring about course improvement while introducing the most current content into your course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree I am always looking for new technology and up to date information to put in our classroom. Keeping the classroom updated and current assists me in my instruction. If I find certain items are a distraction I will redo the display and see if it is more relevant and on piont to what we are studying.
Alan,
Like your example of not being a Ben Stein type of teacher. I really enjoyed him in the role of the teacher because he gave us a role model for how we don't want to teach, not to mention many laughs. You are offering your students variety and change of pace which are to essential ingredients needed for successful learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always do my best to make my classroom a relaxed and fun place to be. I try to be the instructor that every student cant wait to get to. My class does have high expectations that must be met but the students are given ample time in which to complete them. Many of my students are completing these types of tasks for the first time. I work hard at making my class exciting. Some days, lecture is very involved. I try to make those days exciting as well. I just do not see myself as a "Ben Stein" kind of teacher. How fun would that be? Talk about a class to dread going to!
Darrell,
Students should expect to have such a learning environment. The classroom or lab should never be a distraction but should always be a compliment to their learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sherry,
It does set the tone mentally for students. Seeing a clean crisp room that is ready for students sends a message of caring and preparation that the students are appreciated and planned for.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When students enter the class room they must feel like it is pleasant and they will learn from the instructor and have repore with the instructor, if this is not established, students tend to lose interest.
I noticed that if your classroom is clean well put together when students ccome in for class they act as if they are one a job and go to there work. I love that they self start.
Patricia,
First of all you deserve congratulations for surviving. No teacher should have to go through this. Sounds like you brought your professional expertise and knowledge to the setting and was able to impact the lives of all your students. This is what an expert instructor is all about and you certainly are one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Okay so, I too have personally noticed that the classroom environment and class size is key to success. I have been instructing for 19 years, but last term left me teaching 10 different classes all at once to 50 plus students. I remained calm, gave attention to each student as needed and somehow managed this crazy environment for 3 weeks. I know each student by name and continued to acknowledge each as they succeeded through each assignment.
