Learning environment
A learning environment encompasses the various physical, cultural, and contextual factors that influence how students engage with education. This term extends beyond the traditional classroom setting, recognizing the broader dynamics that affect learning experiences. Key components of a learning environment include the physical setup—such as furniture arrangement and cleanliness—and the psychological atmosphere, which involves students' emotional responses and sense of belonging. A positive learning environment fosters effective interactions between teachers and students and is characterized by clear expectations, supportive rules, and inclusive practices tailored to diverse learning needs.
Additionally, the social dynamics within a learning environment can significantly impact student motivation and academic success. Research indicates that well-designed learning spaces contribute to improved test scores, higher attendance, and better teacher retention. Ultimately, creating an effective learning environment requires attention to both the physical and emotional well-being of students, enabling them to feel safe and encouraged to express themselves and explore new ideas.
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Learning environment
A learning environment comprises where and how a student learns, physically, culturally, and contextually. In modern society, the term is often preferred to the word "classroom" because it encompasses more than just the conventional perception of a brick-and-mortar school setting. A learning environment encapsulates the culture of the setting beyond just its physical characteristics, incorporating the ways in which participants interact with each other and the methods teachers use to impart knowledge and instill a lesson. The policies and organizational structure of a learning institution are also components helping to shape the learning environment.
Overview
Learning environments include direct as well as indirect influences that affect a student’s engagement in the subject, motivation to gain knowledge, and sense of comfort and belonging. All of these factors can also be impacted by a student’s prior learning experiences and their preferred learning style.
Learning environments are often referred to as being positive or negative based on the social and emotional dynamics of the environment itself. The main elements of a positive learning environment are physical and psychological. Physical environment explains a lot about teachers’ expectations and includes factors such as the way in which the furniture is arranged, how materials are organized, and the cleanliness and brightness of the learning setting. For example, desks that are grouped with students facing one another are more stimulating for collective discussion, while desks placed in rows are conducive to demonstrations and independent efforts. Therefore, an inclusive learning environment is one where students are positioned in ways that are best suited to their varied learning needs. Research has also noted that posters made by students and displayed in the learning environment help learners develop a sense of belonging among the group; similarly, plants and animals have been shown to have a positive effect, as does the addition of music. Psychological environment refers to how students feel about learning. To secure a positive psychological environment, the teacher must have specific and clearly explained rules in the classroom, be patient, and focus on assisting students with learning on intellectual and social levels. The teacher must remain in control of the classroom, serving as a role model for the students. Additionally, a teacher needs to welcome students personally, maintain eye contact, establish rules and routines, recognize positive behaviors, utilize positive language, engage in interactions outside the learning environment, and minimize any sense of discomfort and embarrassment for students.
The learning environment can play a powerful role in students’ academic success, as it has the ability to affect a young person’s development and self-esteem. Despite positive motivation, factors external to the learning environment can disappoint and diminish students’ enthusiasm; therefore, learning institutions often strive to provide a learning environment that enables students to feel safe to innovate, express their concerns or lack of understanding, and challenge their personal limits. Positive correlations have been found between school facilities given excellent ratings and students earning higher test scores. Research has also indicated that quality learning environments positively affect teacher retention, student attendance, and graduation rates.
Bibliography
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Hogarth, Robin M., et al. "The Two Settings of Kind and Wicked Learning Environments." Current Directions in Psychological Science, vol. 24, no. 5, 2015, pp. 379–85.
Jonassen, David H., and Susan M. Land, editors. Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments. 2nd ed., Routledge, 2012.
Lee, Scott. "3 Types of Learning Environments." Western Governors University, 22 Apr. 2024, www.wgu.edu/blog/3-types-learning-environments2111.html. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Liu, Weiping, and Thomas Eckert. "Adolescents’ Perceptions of Chronic Self-Concept, Peer Relations, and Learning Conditions." Interactive Learning Environments, vol. 22, no. 5, 2014, pp. 649–67.
Shan, Siqing, et al. "Impact of Effective Communication, Achievement Sharing and Positive Classroom Environments on Learning Performance." Systems Research & Behavioral Science, vol. 31, no. 3, 2014, pp. 471–82.
Trautwein, Ulrich, et al. "Self-Esteem, Academic Self-Concept, and Achievement: How the Learning Environment Moderates the Dynamics of Self-Concept." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 90, no. 2, 2006, pp. 334–49.
"What Makes a Good Learning Environment." Learning Technologies, 12 Oct. 2023, www.learningtechnologies.co.uk/exhibitor-news/makes-good-learning-environment. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.