Classroom Environment

Active Learning Environment

Trends in education have paved ways to restructuring the curriculum to address students ' needs for active learning environment . Gone are the days of teacher-centered instruction where teachers served as mentors or the main sources of information in the classroom . In this type of instruction , the teacher provides information to the students who basically listen to , and learn from what the teacher provides through discussion . In such situation , the students ' role , which is often characterized by listening and thinking , is limited while the teacher 's role is very significant

, being the main source of knowledge or information . Sadly , it follows that in this kind of instruction , the teacher has a tendency to manipulate the discussion - calling students to answer questions addressed to the class

Opposed to the teacher-centered instruction is an active learning environment in which students ' response , creativity , and participation are necessary to achieve learning . In this situation , the learners take an active role in the activities and discussions that will transpire While students serve as listeners and receivers of information in the teacher-centered instruction , active learning environment encourages students to share information , express feelings /ideas , and take participatory roles in group dynamics . In addition , active learning environment involves the commitment of students and the teacher to a dynamic partnership in which both share a vision and responsibility for instruction (Fern , Anstrom , and Silcox 1994 . In such an environment the students have the role of discovering , constructing and creating something new ' while the teacher takes the role of a facilitator and guide

Moreover , the students become the focus of instruction in that the content and activities are designed according to their needs , interests and experiences . Importantly , the background of the students is considered as early as the design phase of the curriculum . The teacher in response to this environment , guides the students towards the accomplishment of goals which include learning concepts and mastery of skills

One famous proponent of active learning , Paolo Freire , views that teachers should provide students a learning environment situated within the students ' own knowledge and experience . Therefore , the students cultural background plays a significant role in the learning process . As the author Vygotsky states in "zone of proximal development theory learning comes most easily when new information presented is just beyond the reach of their present knowledge (Fern , Anstrom , and Silcox 1994

In designing an active learning environment , it is important to consider factors that would affect learning . These include student background , classroom atmosphere , teacher preparedness , among others Moreover , the environment should provide opportunities for students to enhance knowledge , skills , creativity , and confidence through activities such as problem solving exercises , informal small group discussions case studies , role-playing , and other activities which effectively hone their skills and application of learning

As mentioned above , one of the factors we need to consider in attaining active learning environment is the background of the students Particularly , in U .S . schools , by 2020 , almost half of the U .S . school population will consist of members of non-Caucasian cultural...