My Ideal Classroom Environment by Stefanie

My Ideal Classroom Environment by Stefanie - October 2014 Scholarship Essay

An ideal classroom environment has three individual aspects that work together to make the student succeed: the instructor, the classroom, and the students. The instructor is key in creating a positive learning environment. A classroom with a good layout facilitates learning and success. Lastly, it is essential that students are ready and willing to learn and participate in class. These are the building blocks of an ideal classroom environment.

First, the instructor needs to be knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. If the instructor lacks passion it is impossible to get the students to be passionate about learning the subject. A professor with passion about the subject will capture the student’s attention. Additionally, the instructor needs to care about student learning. When I have a professor who genuinely cares about my education, I am more likely to visit the professor in office hours to get help or ask questions during class. These are the professors who push their students to do the best work they can, but they also readily adapt their instruction to meet the needs of their students. These professors recognize when the class is struggling on a certain concept and take the time to make it clearer. They will provide students with multiple resources to promote mastering the subject. They are approachable and never degrade a student who does not understand. These qualities allow students to be successful in the classroom.

Secondly, the layout of the classroom is important. For example, a large lecture hall with hundreds of seats is not ideal. It is easy to get distracted because you know the professor cannot see you rows back playing on your phone. For me, it is ideal to be in a classroom with less than forty people. This allows a more personal approach to education. With less people, I am more likely to pay attention and there is a greater chance of my professor getting to know me on a personal level. In addition, I think that a classroom layout that easily allows group work is important. Working in groups allows me to learn not only from the professor, but also from other students.

Lastly, the ideal classroom needs to have students who are willing to actively participate in class. When other students genuinely care about the class, it is motivation for me to care too. Often other students will ask questions that I had not thought of before. When a professor lectures all hour without student participation the class can get boring quickly. However, other students who care about succeeding help me succeed in my education too.

A passionate, caring instructor, a classroom layout that minimizes distractions, and student participation are essential in creating my ideal classroom environment. Each of these aspects helps me succeed in my education.