My Classroom Environment

I am usually a pretty outspoken participant in the classroom. I definitely think I get a better learning experience when the students get the chance to interact with each other. I need to be interested in the subject to be engaged as well. I also participate more when the teacher sets up a comfortable environment. I prefer a more casual setting, less formal and structured, where the whole class is having a simple discussion. I like the teacher to be just as engaged as the students. I understand if they want to let the students have a chance to speak, but their word is just as valuable. I see us as equals and I like when the teacher does as well. I notice I am quieter in certain classes and I think the biggest issue is whether I am really interested in the subject or not. The environment the students set up is vital as well. It is important that the students all respect each other, let others speak freely, let everyone have a chance to speak, but also everyone be willing to contribute to the discussion. There is nothing worse than when no one wants to talk at all. My favorite class was a gender communications class at my community college. Each week we were to read a chapter and the first day we met that week we would get in a circle and just discuss it, kind of like we do in this class. It was the most beneficial interesting class ever. That is my ideal class.