An Inservice Project

Key To Icons

	Link to another site
	Pull down a file
	Help!

Does the Environment Matter?

Now that you know all about the different learning and teaching styles, does environment matter in the learning process?  Let's take a look at some basics about surroundings and learning.

Sound - Total quiet is not everyone's style. About 20% of all people need sound to concentrate.  However, an important rule must always be that one cannot disturb others.  Some people can mentally block out noise or sound, whereas, others may need earplugs or ear protectors to even block out "white noise" that generally exists in a classroom.  White noise includes such things as the air conditioning or the buzzing of the light fixtures.

Light - Some students need brightness; some prefer to study in a dimly lit room.  Traditional bright light over the left shoulder is not necessary for effective learning to take place. Let students choose their own light where possible.  Sometimes normal daylight is enough for students.  Colored transparencies, overlays, lenses, etc. can be helpful to some students. Make sure that fluorescent lighting does not cause problems for some of your students.

Temperature - Who is warm?  Who is cold? Who is just right?  Look at the dress of the students in the room.  There is no perfect temperature for everyone.  Have students dress appropriately for optimal comfort.  You may even wish to keep a couple extra "sweaters" in the classroom for those students who are always cold.  An uncomfortable temperature can result in certain people not being able to concentrate.

This program was developed by the State of Florida Adult Secondary/GED/VPI Committee of the Practitioners' Task Force, through an Adult Education State Leadership Grant from the Florida Department of Education, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Education.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this web-based training component, it is not an official publication of the Florida Department of Education.