Photo by T.H. Chia on Unsplash
Embracing the Outdoors in Teaching
Sunday 14th April 2024
—
During a recent teaching session, I noticed my students were lethargic and eager to be outside due to the beautiful weather. This observation led me to reflect on how environmental factors influence student engagement. Initially, I was prepared for the challenge, even donning a funny shirt to lighten the mood.
The students expressed a desire to chat rather than learn new material, which I understood as a need for a break and a chance to enjoy the weather. This insight was surprising yet relatable, as I too have felt the urge to escape the confines of a classroom.
Throughout the conversation with Noa, I explored various explanations for the students' behavior, ultimately concluding that the weather played a significant role. Noa helped me process these reflections, guiding me to consider moving classes outside as a practical solution.
My feelings evolved from initial surprise to empathy and understanding. I realized that students, like plants, thrive with sunshine and fresh air. This led me to commit to adapting my teaching strategies, such as rethinking lessons and considering outdoor classes when appropriate.
In conclusion, this experience reinforced the importance of being responsive to students' needs and the environment. By embracing flexibility and creativity in teaching, we can foster a more engaging and effective learning experience. Let's remember that sometimes, the best classroom is the one without walls.
Summarised by AI [gpt-4o] on https://mmm.noticing.network