Encourage students to ask questions When students interact with their instructors by constantly asking questions, it’s a positive sign. It’s the best proof available of a student’s curiosity and the teacher’s teaching effectiveness. Pay more emphasis on questions; not the answers According to Heick, questioning is the art of learning. When good questions are asked, learning takes place via the student-teacher interaction. Hence, the student should also be graded on questions asked. And not just on answers given. Be open to ideas Ideas for lessons, reading, tests, and projects can come from anywhere. Keep an open mind and stay inspired. It’s a surefire way to keep your students inspired as well. Mix up your learning techniques Whatever your choice of learning model—whether it’s inquiry-based learning, direct instruction, eLearning, and on and on— make sure you have a blend of techniques as that only enriches your students’ learning experience. Your teaching reaches beyond the classroom walls Students eventually leave their academic world and enter the real world…and they take their learning with them. Make sure your curriculum makes sense to them when they are out in the community. Personalize your learning From the very first day of class, try to figure out which of your students need more of your attention—where they are at their learning quotient. Try to gauge where they need to be at their reading level, or readiness for new material, for instance. Accordingly personalize and pace your lessons. This strategy is guaranteed to give you the results you desire from your students. Do away with a clinically based assessment plan. When it comes to assessing your students’ learning, your goal, according to Heick, should be to chaff out the “good students” from the “good thinkers.” Clinical testing methods are passé. Make it clear to your students why they are being tested and what it means to them. In short put the ball in their court and watch the difference. Ensure that students understand your criteria for success. Create an assessment plan based on a nice mix of classroom participation, testing, etc. and make it clear to your students right from the very beginning how you plan on assessing their work. Relearn learning habits. There is never one way to learn. Keep challenging your mind by picking up new learning habits. And encourage your students to do the same. Practice. Practice. Practice.

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A learning environment is a diverse platform where users engage and interact to learn new skills. While learners can learn in an array of settings, the term refers to the more preferred and accurate alternative to the traditional classroom. The term does not pass on a traditional or limited connotation such as a room full of desks and a chalkboard. Components and Importance of an Effective Learning Environment Developing an engaging and positive learning environment for learners, especially in a particular course, is one of the most creative aspects of teaching. Typically, the focus is either on the physical learning environments (institutional) like lecture theaters, classrooms, or labs; or on different technologies that are used to develop online learning environments. However, the learning environment is an expression that is a lot broader than these components. The term comprises of: Learners’ characteristics; Learning and teaching goals; Activities that support learning; Assessment strategies that drive and measure learning; A culture that directly infuses a learning environment. Typically, social, physical, psychological or cultural factors involved in a learning environment deeply affect the learners’ learning capabilities. If the learning atmosphere is not conducive to gaining new knowledge or skills, it will be hard for learners to remain engrossed or interested. For example, stress significantly affect the cognitive functioning. When you combine stress with learning processes, the negative thoughts outweighs the positive ones. Such learners find the learning environment more like a threat to their self-esteem than a platform to improve or learn new skills. To overcome this, the instructors hold the responsibility to incorporate an arsenal of strategies that would inoculate learners against the negative attitude by providing enough positive experiences. This integration of strategies in the learning/teaching approach will counteract the negative and help students in getting out of the negative spiral. When a learner feels appreciated, accepted and see him/her as an important and contributing part of a learning environment only then he/she can improve, learn with an open mind, accept and appreciate viewpoints and solve problems earnestly. Nevertheless, a learning environment is a great attribute to the success of the learner. It offers a positive ambiance to feel motivated and engaged. An ideal learning setting encourages the interaction with learners/instructors and eventually establishes a sense of support.

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