1. Why is it important to consider the design of your learning environment? Focus on classroom space, procedures and teacher behaviors observed today.
Considering the design of a learning environment can be crucial for the students in it. According to Nelson, the learning environment is where learning takes place and it must involve varying components that suit the needs of all of the students. This environment must cater to the students as individuals and take into account their different interests and learning needs. Creating an environment that does this, can help students feel more comfortable in the classroom and allow them the support that they need to thrive in the classroom.
At Prettyboy Elementary School, I saw multiple ways in which the teachers took the design of their learning environments into account. All of the classrooms I saw had multiple seating options for students, like wobbly stools, chairs, the carpet, and bean bag chairs. This allowed the students to pick what suited them best, whether they preferred to sit still or move about while they learned. The teachers also broke the students up into groups and had them move about the room in different stations to complete a task. Some students read independently, some used their computers, others worked in pairs, and others worked with the teacher. This allowed for the students to experience multiple different ways of complete a task that could tend to different types of learners.
2. How do learner centered environments impact the experience of students?
Learner centered environments impact the experience of students in a positive way. In learning centered environments, students are more likely to feel engaged and like they serve an important purpose in the classroom. This makes the learning process more enjoyable for the students and allows them to bring their individual assets into the classroom.