Creating an Effective Learning Environment

Just recently, at our final class, the students surprised me with an amazing act of kindness reaffirming the techniques I am sharing with you creates an effective learning environment. They all prepared “thank you” signs and confidently took over the WebEx screen with powerful messages, a true testament to their positive learning experience. They shared how they appreciated the support, opportunities to share their own opinions, the fun and safe learning environment they experienced. The video with Dave Burgess speaking of the fundamentals of building rapport with students shared essentials to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. Many of the techniques shared in this module, and by Burgess, mirrored my own approach in creating and maintaining an effective learning environment for the students.

During the first class, the focus is on welcoming everyone, providing opportunities for students to know each other, and the program expectations. “Students are more likely to participate in the course if they believe the environment is friendly and secure.” (Howard, 2002) Every class begins with an interactive roll call, they are individually greeted with a smile, everyone says “hello” with their Webcam on and each shares their opinion on a question related to the topic of the day. They are actively engaged in the presentations, reflections, break-out sessions and group work. They share not only their own opinions, but their experiences which results in more inclusive exchanges.

It is important to me to know each student, their goals and what support they need. They can reach out anytime with their questions or advice to support their success. If students know they matter, they are more involved in their learning. It was interesting and again affirming to read of the same approach by Jennifer Sisk, an English instructor at East Carolina University who makes it her mission through teaching to show students that she cares about them and their success. “She is invested not only in the projects they create, but also in their success in college as a whole”, which is a vital part of my own practice.

Another important aspect is to connect the relevancy of what they are learning to their future career goal, which keeps students interested. I never hesitate to share my own professional experiences and stories as they enjoy my honesty and whenever possible hint of humor.

All of these techniques are key in creating and maintaining a positive and effective learning environment. As instructors we are the greatest influence in the students’ learning experience which needs to support fun, active, engaging, and relevant learning.

CAE - Instructional Methods, Discussion Post