Creating a Productive Teaching Environment

How does a class setting influence student learning?  What actions create an environment that motivates and engages students?

Some of the factors that create a productive learning environment include:

• Class begins promptly and in a well-organized way.
• Learners are able to see the significance and importance of information they are learning.
• The teacher provides clear explanations and holds attention and respect of students
• Class time includes a variety of active, hands-on student learning
• Clear, specific expectations for assignments are communicated.
• Learners are provided with many concrete, real-life, practical examples.
• The class environment is comfortable for students and allows them to speak freely.

For additional information on a productive learning environment, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

• Ask students to describe learning environments that were most beneficial for them.
• Have students describe an activity that would be beneficial for learning personal finance.

Discussion Questions 

1. What are potential benefits and concerns for various actions that teachers might take?
2. What actions make be taken to enhance the personal finance learning environment?