Use of color in the learning environment.
Optimization of other environment variables in the classroom such as room temperature, air quality (ventilation) & humidity, .
Also lighting and classroom surroundings, or other sense stimuli such as aroma or background noise.
Posture & poise and how this can affect a learners responsiveness.
The creation of a safe & relaxed but stimulating learning environment.
Using novelty where possible to engage the brain.
Using your voice as a tool to engage learners.
Promoting the use of unguided discussion to enhance understanding and promote development of the subject at hand.
Regular use of problem setting and solving to promote brain activity and the development of the ability to question/argue.
Use of different methods of teaching in order to find the style which motivates a group most effectively.
Finding different motivating factors & the triggers which activate this motivation.
The use of appropriate pacifiers and stimulants when necessary, such as the use of music of different types to catalyze different responses / moods.
Application of the socio-intelligence theory that learning is a construct of the social environment into which an individual is placed.
Applying current popular teaching theories such as learning styles, accelerated learning and multiple intelligence to the discipline of Design & Technology could be perceived as having more conflicts & complications than other school subjects. Foremostly, the multidiscipline structure of the subject, with the five subjects within having different environments, requiring different skill sets and classroom management structures. In this essay I intend to examine how these theories and ideas could be applied to the different disciplines. However rather than focusing on the practices that could be applied across the curriculum, I intend to investigate how practices that may be applicable in, for example, the core subjects of the Sciences, Maths and English, would not be suitable for the subjects covered in D & T, and a modified approach may be needed.
