Creating a comfortable atmosphere
I have a coffee maker in the classroom. The first day of the class I make a pot of coffee and encourage anyone who would like a cup to enjoy. I then let them know if they would like to continue to have coffee it is up to them to supply the coffee. I let them know I will supply the other necessities for coffee(cups,cream,sugar). I also let them know if you finish the pot you refill the pot. This gives the students some responsibility,it promotes teamwork to keep the pot filled and the smell of coffee brewing is comforting to most.
I loved your post. I think humor is essential. It makes the students want to return because the class is not a snoozer! I also think that it is quite important for them to know you are there to help them succeed. This has helped me a great deal in keeping students motivated. Providing a variety of mediums for learning, class interaction and discussion of materials and making the topics relevant are also key for me.
Robert,
I always considered a class I taught unsuccessful if I was unable to get the students to laugh frequently. Appropriate humor is really important. You are right on target here.
One thing I like to tell my teachers is that they should allow students to ask questions, but the most important ones are the ones the teacher asks. Too often we ask things like "Any questions?" and when we do not get any, we feel like we have done a good job.
A better measure is when our students can answer the well-prepared questions we ask them. One great teacher I know would develop a list of several questions regarding the day's lesson, and previous related lessons, that he would start and end class with. The questions were at all levels of Bloom's taxonomy and would be asked in a variety of ways.
His students struggled with this at first, but really learned the material due to his consistent process and lots of positive reinforcement.
I always try to inject humor into the lesson whenever possible, it seems to relax most people, and makes for a very positive environment. I also make a point of letting them know on the first day of class that I understand that no 2 people process information the same way or have the same life experiences or education, therefor when something doesn't make sense, please ask questions, I will do whatever it takes to help them.
I see your point. I try to keep a positive "vibe" going in my room. I can be a trying thing at were I teach but we must try new things all the time.
Music can set a positive mood in a class. There have been studies that have suggested that students do better on tests with certain kinds of music in the background.
I like the idea of having music playing as students are entering the room at the begining of the day. As suggested in the course.
Good idea Warren. Students typically enjoy coffee and tea! At the university where I work we have a free coffee machine in the cafeteria. It also makes hot cocoa! I wish it made tea. During the first week of classes the student affairs department places coffee, bagels, and crème cheese in the lobby near the main entrances. Creating a comfortable atmosphere is an important part of making a great first impression, so we try our best to make the campus atmosphere comfortable in order to retain new and existing students. Out facilities department works with other departments to keep the campus clean and visually pleasing!
Steven,
Great job!! Using a soothing tone and interjecting funny stories works.
I try to create a comfortable atmosphere simply by portraying myself in the proper manner. i am a relaxed individual, I am here to help you in any way I can. I use a soothing tone in my voice and I interject some funny stories about myself.
what do you do if the student wants tea?
Dan, that is an outstanding observation. By partaking in this ancient ritual we have provided a means to a right of passage that has prevailed long before our existence. Obscured by today's challenging and changing climate we ourselves should embark into proven worthwhile techniques for success.
The offering of beverages to consumate guests is relinquenshed thru out the history of the modern bi-ped. Sometimes when we offer, we are actually setting a pre-requised alternative or forgiveness of actions.
Warren,
WOW!! This is a great idea. The smell of coffee is a comfort. I'm sure this provides a sense of relaxation for students and your class participation is great.
