Significance of Ambience in an Educational Institute
Learning being a subtle process that
requires a serene and viable atmosphere, schools in the modern age are
seeking ways to ensure fundamental factors in classroom to be favorable
for smooth exchange of ideas. Noise plays a vital role in impacting the
teaching and learning processes in every institute. As with any setting,
educational institutions, when maintained in a low-noise state, enable
users to work to their maximum potential. In Montessori Method of
education, lowering the noise in classrooms has considerably increased
the efficiency of students as well as teachers.
Changes Needed In Montessori Schools to Lower Noise
For creating a quieter and calmer
classroom, certain changes are required in the children’s behavior, the
teachers’ attitude, and the school environment. The following are the
specific environmental changes to be achieved, in order to reduce noise
and improve overall atmosphere.
People’s Proximity
By maintaining close proximity between
children and the teacher, it will be possible to avoid talking in high
volume. If students are able to communicate in low voice and soft
manner, the ambience of the class room can be considerably improved.
Speaking in quiet way that assures the conversation between two people
is not audible to others. It also ensures noiseless and calm atmosphere
that is conducive for learning.
Proper Space Arrangement
Children aged up to 7 generally tend to
stick to a pattern. They have a propensity toward orderly behavior. It
is better to let them have comfortable place for carrying out their
physical activities and boisterous processes, and calmer places for
learning other things that need quiet and attention.
Materials Used
The study materials as well as play
things used by the children need to be placed in such a way that they
are easily accessible to them. These must be in the reach of the
students without chance of making lot of noise. Children must also be
taught to avoid noises such as slamming the doors, handling things in
cupboards or drawers without banging. They have to master the art of
performing their everyday activities in silence – they will love it.
Allow children to learn to do things gracefully and without making
unwanted sound.
Scheduling Activities Properly
Similar to sense of order and pattern,
arranging activities in a routine and convenient manner helps children
in improving confidence and concentration. A variety of activities must
be taught and children must be encouraged to participate in diverse
processes, by fixing sufficient and comfortable time period for each
activity.
It is better to arrange time duration
for each module of learning according to its importance and order to
ensure children’s enthusiastic participation. Setting time schedule for
each subject also enables children to perform better, as they will not
be distracted with other activities in that stipulated time.
Teachers’ Attitude
Teachers in schools following Montessori
Method need to be educated in conducting their classes in silence or
with the optimal overall noise level. They must be trained no to indulge
in open chastising of students. It pays to treat children with due love
and caring rather than in harsh and rude manner.
Conclusion
A silent and noise-free atmosphere,
while good for learning process, cannot be enforced. It is not by
threatening or coercing that a child learns culture and co-existence. It
is through empathizing and offering an honorable environment that a
child excels in all learning activates.
