Learning environment and the impact on learning

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

When we think of an environment. Surely a few things come to mind: A surrounding, a place, a place of dwelling, the condition surrounding us, and so on.

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, environment  is defined as the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded.

Science on the other hand defined the environment of a living thing as everything around it that could affect its survival. These are environmental factors which can be due to living and non-living factors. It is the most important component in life because the survival of an organism depends greatly on the environment. God created environment first before the organism. This tells us that the environment must be ready before the organism, or any activity.

In the context of learning, the environment is everything/conditions that affect learning. The condition where learners learn. A learning environment can include physical spaces such as classrooms, virtual spaces such as digital platforms like Zoom, Skype and Google Classroom and so 

A learning environment must be prepared before learning can take place because the conditions of learning must affect the totality of the learner and his or her learning. The earlier we understand that, the better. 

According to Myles Munroe, “Everything was created to exist within a prescribed environment”

Everything was created to function in a specific type of environment therefore learning must happen in a specific type of environment.

Types of Learning Environments

 A learning environment can be conducive or toxic.

A conducive environment is a specific type of learning environment. It begins with the teachers, though the school has a big role to play  but the teachers' role is paramount.

Components of a conducive learning environment

 Lesson planning -Conducive learning environment begins with planning. Teachers who desire a conducive learning environment for their learners must plan their lessons very well. They must ensure that all the active teaching skills and practices are in place before the learning. It is not ideal to run around when your learners are coming into your classroom or are already seated for learning to take place.

Acceptance- This is the first contact point of learners and teachers. Teachers must give a warm welcome to their learners as they enter the classroom through verbal and non-verbal expressions. Acceptance is a key action, it makes learners feel welcomed . Learners with the baggages of life can find a ground to drop them for effective learning to take place.It is like a soothing balm. So teachers must cultivate the attitude of welcoming their learners into the classroom.Rejection can have a tremendous impact on learning.

Safe and Active – A  conducive learning environment must be safe and active. the opinion and voice of learners must count.No victimization or microaggressions. of any kind. On no account should a teacher shout down a learner/learners or confine them in a row with a command to be quiet and receive the information being loaded.

I understand and believe in discipline but let us know when to draw the line. There is a limit to everything. Learner –interaction, engagement and collaboration are crucial learning components.Learners must lead their learning.

Inclusive in function- Every learner is unique, so individual differences exist and must be embraced. Engage the slogan ‘No child is left behind”. Provision must be made for different kinds of learning styles so that all learners will be carried along.

Learner support is very important both during and after the lesson. A teacher must recognize those that need support and ensure they get it.

Assessment and Feedback -Teachers should be able to assess the work of the learners and learners can assess themselves and each other. Apart from the constructive feedback from the teacher,learners can as well give honest feedback to themselves.In this way, deeper learning will occur.

Significance of a positive learning environment

A positive learning environment creates a positive learning experience

Positive learning environment helps learners to discover who they are in life.

It promotes confidence,innovative mindset, good behaviour and research skills.

Toxic learning as the name implies is toxic to learning. These toxins affects the learning condition in a tremendous way  . Unpreparedness,shouting ,aggression , negative body language and expression, subtle insults are the easiest ways to add toxins to the learning environment.Toxic learning promotes inappropriate behaviour which will negatively affect learning.         

Our classrooms should be a place of building, healing and not harm                                     

Additional resources 

     Rejection in the classroom.

 Turea Hutson(TEDx Norristown)

       Creating a positive learning environment 

        -Edutopia

Recap on Collaborative learning

 Collaborative learning has been discussed in one of our episodes. FOR THE SAKE OF importance; we are revisiting.

Collaborative learning promotes a positive learning culture amongst learners.
The skill does not only promote understanding but enhances self esteem in learners.
For more information; watch the video from Edutopia. (quite an interesting piece.Checkout   via YouTube

     Collaborative learning builds a deeper understanding https://youtu.be/rWEwv_qobpU?si=CrOOfHRjItYXmk1D

Visit the sitehttps://edutopia.org

Be the Teacher- Catalyst

 As an adult, mentor and teacher, I've come to realise that there were teachers who taught me and teachers who lived with me to date.

The energy and the motivation they brought to the table are part of the tools that brought me where I am today.

This is because they were my catalyst. They do not just carry the teacher portfolio but they lived it.

They were always there to speed up my learning process and today, I am grateful. 

As a teacher, one thing is for the learners to be interested in what you're teaching, another thing is for you to be interesting to make them interested in learning effectively. 

Before we delve into teacher catalyst, let us look at the word 'catalyst' .

From the perspective of science, a catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being changed or used up at the end. The same applies to the teaching profession. A teacher catalyst helps learners speed up their learning process.

As catalysts, teachers can give all without being exhausted, and without burnout. This is because they see teaching as service beyond the job. What we teach matters but more importantly is how we teach it. 

Who is then a teacher catalyst? This is a teacher who inspires learners to learn effectively so that they can practice what they learned in the real world 🌎 context. 

This kind of teacher inspires learners using the 4Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Critical thinking and Creativity. ( the 4Cs have been discussed in our episodes).The teacher motivates them to learn through every hurdle of learning, ensuring they win. With a  teacher catalyst, learners understand theory and practice. They understand learning from the value angle not success like Albert Einstein said

The incredible and meaningful work of a teacher catalyst in positive change may seem out of reach. Not only do they help learners navigate through the struggles of learning, but they also pave way for the new generations of learners to positive change. This way ,adding value to the society becomes a chain reaction. 

Teacher catalyst believe in service and adding value to the learners and society. They intentionally operate from the angle of service because they know that greatness is determined by service in line with the quote of

Martin Luther King Jr.

Teacher catalyst don't just exist with their learners, they live with them.Their encouraging words revives and don't tear down. They understand learner and learning challenges and treat them with grace.

For a teacher catalyst, every learner counts.Every one matter and are all carried along in the learning process.No one is left behind. 

Teacher catalyst operate with love but never bypass discipline when necessary. They correct learners in a way that will not break but empower them.

What more can I say; 

Are you just an existing or a living  teacher? How will your learners remember you?

What will they remember you for?

Why not be a teacher catalyst;  so that you cause a positive change in your learners and society at large .

Be the catalyst! Be the change for the future. Do not just teach and go,find a way to support your learners. TEACH WITH PASSION. Stick your name in their hearts.

Additional  resources

    

  Be the catalyst  by Lauren Friedrich (TEDx)

BryantU

   

Teacher-catalyst. How important?

   

   

Teachers should facilitate , learners should lead learning

 Should learners lead learning?

Learners should  lead learning  because when the do,they will be ushered into the learning process.In this process,they are connected to think critically, criticise constructively and ask questions as they find answers.

Wonderinghow this can be done? Here are some Powerful additional resources that will help you.

  Students need to lead the classroom,not teachers By Catherine Cadwell-Tedx

A must read book by Robyn Jackson .This book is a powerful guide.It is a must grab for all teachers 👇

The approachable teacher

 Approachability is a great teaching skill and one of the major characteristics of an effective teacher. 

Who is an approachable teacher and why is it important? What does it have to do with learning?

An approachable teacher is that teacher  that is accessible to learners irrespective.He listens to their concerns  without distraction. An approachable teacher understands the need to pay attention to the learners and their learning.

THERE IS ALWAYS THIS SILENT TONE OF "I got your back,YOU can count on me" when a teacher is approachable .With an approachable teacher,learners are empowered to lead their learning knowing they are not alone.

Learning is a process and with an approachable teacher, learners feel at home.They find strength to try, fail,take corrections and improve  because they can easily approach the teacher  without fear. Approachability enhances  learners curiosity and questioning  skill because there is a safe zone.

With approachability  learners are drawn out of their shells,  to share their concerns, embrace authenticity and make progress 

Recall, how you feel anytime the door is closed against you:when no one is listening .Remember the trauma when you want to approach your teacher and He or she is not giving you audience, we know how that feels,eee 

No matter how sophisticated and great a teacher sounds, without access,it will be tough for  the learners to learn effectively. 

This is because in approachability,questions are asked,Inquires are made and opinions are evoked.

Learners cannot be separated from learning  both must go together. As attention is paid to the learner same goes to learning. It is  a whole world, not part.

Teachers should not use their power to create distance between  them and their learners.They should use their powers to bridge the gap.

Phill Wilson puts it like this:

"Power creates distance .Leaders bridge the gap".

Can Approachability make any difference in the

Learning? Yes because everything borders on acceptance.When learners are coming to meet their techer that is the first door 🚪 they want open  and if that door is open, they feel safe to kick start.

According to Scott Hayden

" Teachers have three loves,: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing  the first two loves together, "

Think about that and change your style if you haven't. Do not build a wall around you.Serve with your power.ENRICH YOUR LEARNERS. CARE FIRST BEFORE THEY CAN.BE DISCILINED BUT NOT DIFFICULT. Do not just hear your  learners, listen to them.

Pave way for your learners to learn authentically. Do not block them.Be approachable,   be accessible. It is not weakness but strength. 

What happens when you're not fit?

If you are stressed rest,if you are sick,get medical attention but do not put yourself in a position that your learners  will not want to talk to you.

Yes ,you don't need to be available for every one all the time but learn  to have honest conversations in regard instead of acting out.

Remember that you too need an honest feedback from your learners and you can't get that when you are not approachable

Additional resources 

By David Sarkus,MS,CSP. Motivational safety speaker, Coach and Consultant 

Intrinsic motivation. Does it matter?

 

Learner- motivation is simply the encouragement we give to our Learners to learn,improve and learn better. WHEN LEARNERS are encouraged to learn,there is always a great difference in their approach to learning. 

Taking the role of an effective teacher committed to fostering  effective learning must require learner motivation. 

Some learners come to school unmotivated and they all assemble in our classrooms .Learners unmotivated state can be caused by many factors;broken homes, poverty,  sickness, disability, abuse e.tc.

It is our duty as teachers to inspire them to find their feet again.

How are learners motivated?

Learners can be motivated extrinsically or intrinsically. 

With extrinsic motivation, we talk about external rewards with resources like cash,items and so on.This may not be  the best method because it might shift focus from learning to awards and as well introduce unhealthy competition among learners. 

Intrinsic motivation deals with internal rewards that promote the interest  of  learners  in learning .It guides behaviour. Research has shown that intrinsic motivation can promote autonomy,competence and relatedness .

These three factors are important in learning because with autonomous power, learners take charge of their learning and this helps to boost their competence and the ability to connect with others in an authentic manner.

Wondering  how to motivate learners intrinsically?Here are some tips 

Every teacher must approach his or her learners with hope and trust irrespective of the circumstances at present. This is  because you can only encourage what you have hope in.If you give up on anything, the power to motivate will die.

Approach learners with constructive feedback and not the one that will tear them down.

Use great words like awesome, great,good job  👌, thumbs up and so on .The list  is endless. 

Engage learners with positive none- verbal expression.Body language speaks volume to learners. 

Be patient and consider the following 

Consider the learners  and their learning journey. 

Consider the danger of not deploying intrinsic motivation in your classroom. 

Consider teaching without learner- motivation as an issue and do the needful. 

 Now is  the time to  deploy intrinsic motivation in your teaching to promote effective learning.

 Therefore,I  encourage you to motivate your learners. Give them reward that promotes self determination .

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

Be a teachable teacher

A teachable teacher is a learning teacher It is one of the attitudes that help people to serve with purpose and humility. There is no harm in learning from others. It is a strength rather than a weakness as some may think. A teachable heart is always willing and eager to learn irrespective. A teachable spirit never cares about the status, circle of friends, age, or position. Her goal is to positively learn. The scripture recognized the power of a teachable spirit and the consequences. No wonder Proverbs 13: 18 informed us that; 

 "Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,

 but whoever heeds to correction is honoured”

Think about the reward and the consequences here".

We lose a lot when we refuse to positively learn from others God has placed in our lives.  Do we want to remain valid and in charge of our outdated thoughts and actions? How then can we be lifelong learners when we cannot embrace the beauty of learning? It is cheaper to be willingly teachable than to learn it in a hard way. Many people have lost their jobs, positions, and recognition because they refused to learn from other people. Some have also missed promotions in regard. Of course, no reasonable business or organization will thrive with unteachable workers.

In the context of teaching and learning, this skill is not an exception. Teachers should be teachable and not assume that they know everything. Nobody can and nobody will.

Phill Collins once said – “In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn”

That is true therefore there is a need to keep an open mind with learners. Listen to them as they share their views and opinions and don’t be quick to shut them down or divert attention. Be willing to engage in constructive deliberations with your learners. Accept constructive criticisms and corrections from them. View learners’ criticisms with the interest of learning at heart. Stay on course and do not divert in the course of being corrected nor should you victimize them. Use your teaching power to learn and serve. Put the power into good use for authentic learning to take place

Trade with humility and let go of pride because it goes before fall. Be teachable and not be myopic about it because you cannot climb the ladder of success without that.

A teacher once punished a student for correcting a misspelt word; The teacher was furious and raging at the learner.’ How dare you’ Do you know how long I’ve been in this profession?, the teacher asked the learner but the learner kept emphasizing the wrong spelling on the board.

What did you learn from the short story?? See you in the comment section

Wondering how to be teachable …. Here are some tips

1. Recognise that no one knows it all so you are not alone in this journey. We are all works in progress

2. Shun pride at all costs so that you and learn-Pride is cancerous. Pride is one of the major reasons people are not teachable.

 3. Learn to listen when others are talking, do not be quick to interrupt even if you know what they are saying. Give them the opportunity.

4. Ask questions, Don’t be too big or shy to do that.  Questioning skill has been a great skill even as far back as Socrates.

5. Develop a learning culture. Do not be a victim of the ‘I have arrived mindset’. Do not arrive yet keep learning. Be a lifelong learner.

6. Accept corrections with positive interest at heart.

7. Embrace constructive criticism. Do not tear your learning walls with hatred.

8 Interact and share your knowledge and experiences with others. Do not be an island

I conclude by saying: For continuous growth and development, maintain a teachable attitude. Keep it on your priority list

                                             Listen to Gregory Chahrozian-

                                      It is not what you teach, It's what kind of Teacher You Are(TEDxAUA)

Dont Spin,Teach

Teaching is a careful process. It is something we plan and do; not just do.Teaching activity must take place after careful planning  so that we don't end up robbing Peter to pay Paul .

TEACHING is an intentional activity 

Therefore,what do I mean by the title ' Don't Spin, Teach'?

By that I mean that teachers should pay attention to  due  process of teaching and not rush their learners. 

Teachers  do not need to  rush as they teach but make progress  because different aspects should be covered in a lesson. 

In talking about process, 

Teaching must be  in alignment with the learning objectives  which must be clearly stated.

There must be time for introduction of the topic and students'Engagement which is crucial. The class activity or activities should be able to drive learning maximally .

Learners' interaction is important.and there must be time  for critical thinking? 

In a learning environment,teachers are not the only people involved .Learners too.They are powerful stakeholders in the academic world and must be involved.

What happens when teachers Spin their lessons ?

Learning will be rushed  and learners will be denied  the opportunity to embrace the learning process. 

Content will lead learning instead 

Teachers should understand  that teaching is beyond loading the learners with content 

It is unacceptable for a teacher to come into the classroom for a lesson and the only thing on his or her mind is to confine the learners in rows  and load them with content  .No room for learners' involvement.ALL that matters is to rush and finish the lesson .Little attention is paid to authentic learning. HOW GOOD IS THAT TO THE FUTURE?

Let me remind all that learning is not suppossed to stop at Lower Order Critical thinking  skill such as remembering and understanding but transcend to Higher Orders.

Learners can  remember, understand,  ,apply what they learned. They can compare ,contrast and  create.The 40 / 45minutes teaching time per lesson should be spread to accommodate all of these

I end with this; Be a good teacher because 

  A good education can change anyone.

   A good teacher can change  everything "

‐-Unknown

Enjoy the season with wisdom

 

 

Practice or Malpractice?

 Have you heard about Examination Malpractice?. In case you've not. It is simply giving learners answers without allowing them to work through the process. (giving learners undue advantage).

Sheba Katapur said it all

This quote sees indulging in examination malpractice as a devilish act. Why? , Because, helping learners in the examination is not "helping"  but hindering their growth. 

Are we not seeing this act in our society today?

How can we guarantee now and the future with half-baked graduates and a fake workforce? How can development come when learners are not allowed and encouraged to develop problem-solving skills?  How can we eradicate poverty when learners who are supposed to take the baton drop it on the way because they do not want to go through the stress of working out the process? 

How can a society be technologically advanced if the workforce is compromised?

We cannot sow another and reap the other. Whatever we sow, that is what we will reap. 

Examination malpractice is a dangerous practice especially when teachers and school owners are involved. The cost of this practice is huge so we need to desist. Teachers and school owners are trained to build. They have no business with destruction. So they need to stay in our lanes.

Let us carefully consider the cost of allowing our learners to be involved in examination malpractice. 

That will mean fake graduates and a fake workforce. 

Learners with low critical thinking levels

No guarantee for proper health care and production. 

Imagine the cost of having a fake doctor, fake pilot, fake manufacturers, fake teachers, fake engineers.......the list is endless.

How can we end examination malpractice?

It is simple. By re-imagining our practices. Teachers need to transition from passive to active teaching and learning practices. Because active teaching will result in active learning. Learners should be actively involved in the learning business. They are stakeholders and have greater roles to play in the business of learning. They should not be sidelined but must be allowed to be actively involved through discussions, group learning debates, demonstrations, research, projects, flipped learning etc. They are the key players.

Learners must be allowed to take responsibility for their learning. When they do, they will build greater critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills and others are needed when they are required to apply what they have learned in a real context.

The video below 👇 is insightful

How to End Educational Malpractice by Jon 

Bergmann /TEDxVernonArealLibrary

Do we still need to fold our hands and allow the future to be trampled? Noo, not all.  

Say No to Examination Malpractice.

Shun examination malpractice 

Shut your door against it  

I leave you with this below 👇