Creating a Positive Learning Environment

By Alyssa Ambrosio

College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post Campus
September , 2010

Today was the first day of classes for all students at C.W. Post. The first day of school normally brings about a mix of emotions, nervous, excited, anxious and so many more.When we first walked into EDI 15A many of us were nervous and shy. However, Professor Dengting’s personality quickly calmed the nerves of the students. After learning more about Professor Dengting we played what many call “The Name Game.”

I believe “The Name Game” is a valuable teaching tool. As a student I understand the effect the learning environment has on students. Today when I walked into class I was so happy to see a familiar face. Knowing a friend in class put me at ease and made me more likely to be myself. The learning environment has a direct affect on a students ability to learn at his/her creativity.

When I first started at C.W. Post I was extremely nervous. I didn’t know a single person in my classes. I was very shy, I hardly spoke my opinions, and as an art student I tried to do more of what everyone else was doing instead of showing my creative side. Today in class when playing the game amongst many people of whom I did not know, I reverted back to my freshmen ways. When coming up with a word to associate with my name I froze. I didn’t want to say something that the other students would laugh and or judge me for. By the end of the class however I felt so silly for feeling so nervous.

The name game helped everyone feel more comfortable with each other. Some truly showed their personalities making it a more relaxed environment. Some students used word associations that I could relate to.

One of my science teachers came across an article once about two identical twins who grew up in different places. Scientists have done studies that prove environments can even affect identical twins. They grow up differently based on their environment just as plants and animals do. The same is with the learning environment. An overwhelming and stressed filled environment makes learning difficult. In my opinion when a student feels isolated, scared or judged they are less likely to perform well. When a student feels comfortable to be expressive and outspoken I feel that they will perform to his/her maximum capability. I strongly believe that the ability to learn is primarily based on the atmosphere the student is in. I think that if a study were to be conducted they would prove comfort ability increases learning capability.