More than good sight lines: what makes an effective learning environment

I often start instructor workshops with two questions: ''What's the difference between teaching and learning?" and "Where does learning happen?" Both are, on their own, interesting questions. The answers and the discussion that follows are usually intriguing, leading into the differences between "transmission" styles of instruction and more collaborative learning approaches, formal and informal learning activities, learning styles, or why we teach and learn. These ideas are all elements of the learning environment.