WHERE AM I?

Classroom environment is a key factor associated with student motivation. Think about these different environments:


Bars- have free salty treats (popcorn or peanuts) to encourage drink purchases

Casinos- always cold to prevent exhaustion

Dentist office- daunting poster on the ceiling to prevent concentration on the sharp tools

Each of these environments have carefully generated an environment condusive to success. Why should our classrooms be any different? Subtle tricks can transform a boring traditional classroom into an environment created by the students, for the students (5441):

• Desks in patterns beyond the traditional row design encourage open discussion and participation.


• Plants sound like a corny addition, but can certainly make the classroom less dark and impersonal.


• Mood lighting, beyond the trendy fluorescent issued lights, can calm students and generate relaxation.


• Rotating bulletin boards can maintain student attention during class periods.

Each of these suggestions are small classroom alterations that generate large levels of student motivation.