I have definitely noticed the impact of the physical learning environment on student learning and achievement. Almost all of my teaching experience has been at the high school level, with 1/2 a year at the middle school level. Even though there tends to be far less "classroom decorating" at these levels than the elementary level, the physical setup and flow of the room do have an effect on student learning and achievement. I personally have noticed that I learn better in an environment that is free of clutter, which is not to say free of information or decoration. I think this is something that I carry forward to my classrooms and is helpful particularly for special education students. Filtering out those stimuli can be just one more thing standing in the way of student concentration and success. It is somewhat trickier to tailor the environment to student needs when you share classrooms, but what I have noticed here is that because the majority of us (it seems) share classrooms and have offices, the rooms themselves tend to be more clutter free than other schools in which I have taught.
Without a doubt I feel that the physical learning environment plays a role in student learning. If a student is in a supportive, positive learning environment in which they feel safe in then they will have a lot more of a valuable learning experience. Also, I feel students will be more successful in an environment that is free of distractions such clutter, distracting noises and students acting up or causing problems.
I think I am speaking for Ray, as well as me, when I say "yes, physical environment does impact learning". As leaders of our Induction group, we have definitley felt the difference when we are all in a row, with us up at the front, compared to in a circle, even with desks. Last year we never circled up and I don't think the group really knew one another. It seems to me that you are all a tight knit group. I don't know if the arrangement of the chairs caused that but I would like to think that maybe they did just a little bit. I think barriers go down when kids/adults have to actually look at one another. On the other hand, is this even logistically possible with some of the larger classes? I doubt it. I wonder how those teachers break the barriers down?
I agree with CJ. A positive learning environment (LE) would harbor greater success in the student. Even as a teacher, imagine teaching where you don't have access to a computer, library, or a projector. Also, picture a building with a leaky roof, crumbling drywall, and trash everywhere. Would you like to come to work each day? I wouldn't think so. Now imagine, having to do ridiculous amounts of work, or having a principal that is not supportive of what you are doing in your classroom. If you wouldn't like to work under these conditions, how do you think the kids would be able to learn? The more pride the students have in their school the better chance for them to succeed. The kids will have pride in their school if they have a positive LE. The looks of the school are not the only aspect of the LE. This could also be, the way teachers and administrators treat the students. If the teachers like where they work and demonstrate this to the students then the students will also like the school. If the students hear positive comments from the teacher then they will be more likely to try harder.
I believe that a positive learning envrionment is different from a physical learning environment, though they can go hand in hand. A positive learning envrionment is essential for all students. I don't know if a physical learning envrionment makes a huge difference for all students. There are some students that can learn in any situation, where others are more influenced by the physical envrionment in which they are trying to learn. It's important for students to help create a learning environment suitable for their individual needs.
I agree that the physical learning environment can have a dramatic affect on student learning. Classrooms that have too much "going on" can inhibit students' ability to focus on the task at hand. Likewise, the positioning of the board and other essential items (such as the trash can or pencil sharpener) can also affect learning. If students are continuously disrupting class in order to sharpen their pencils or throw away trash, it may be hard for the other students to concentrate.
I have found that classrooms that are set up in a way that makes it difficult for the teacher to have good mobility are less conducive to learning. When I am unable to move around the classroom and teach, I have found that students tend to lose focus and are more likely to be distracted by cell phones, their friends, work for other classes, daydreaming, and other distractions. Also, I have taught in a classroom where the tables are set up so the students on each side of the room are facing each other, and I noticed that the class had a tendency to be more chatty and distracted. Bottom line, the physical environment has a significant impact on student learning.
I agree that a clean, organized, and cluster free environment will enhance a student's learning. I have always had my own room in the past and I noticed that students felt at ease and comfortable during class. Students are able to focus on their education if they are mentally at ease and stress free. This year, I have noticed students behaving differently in different type of classrooms. My period 3 students have a more "traditional" classroom on Thursdays and I notice that they are more focused and organized on those days.
I, also, believe that a teacher's attitude affects the student's learning. Having a positive, unthreatening teaching style along with a physically comfortable learning environment will give students the best possible chance to succeed.
I think, without a doubt, that the physical environment affects student learning and achievement. As educators, we need to be aware of making optimal use of instructional space with the goal being to enhance student learning. Admittedly, when teachers have to share classroom space, it may be difficult to tailor the surroundings to meet all learning needs/educational goals. Language arts teachers will likely want a classroom environment that is text-rich, yet for some learners such an environment may be overwhelming. Knowing who your student population is will be key to successfully finding a balance to what works best most of the time for most students. I agree with Melissa’s comments about how seating arrangements can impact the interactions of students both positively and negatively. I agree that tables or desks often create a barrier. Jeremy also makes a good point regarding teacher mobility and how this impacts student success. Not only does it make a difference whether a teacher can easily move around a room to assist students, teacher proximity often helps to maintain or improve student behavior and attention.
It's funny that this is a topic because Lindsay in our department started buying fake plants and other decorations trying to spice up the rooms we teach in making it a "more positive" learning environment. I agree with what everyone says, it definitely makes a difference.
11 Comments:
I have definitely noticed the impact of the physical learning environment on student learning and achievement. Almost all of my teaching experience has been at the high school level, with 1/2 a year at the middle school level. Even though there tends to be far less "classroom decorating" at these levels than the elementary level, the physical setup and flow of the room do have an effect on student learning and achievement. I personally have noticed that I learn better in an environment that is free of clutter, which is not to say free of information or decoration. I think this is something that I carry forward to my classrooms and is helpful particularly for special education students. Filtering out those stimuli can be just one more thing standing in the way of student concentration and success. It is somewhat trickier to tailor the environment to student needs when you share classrooms, but what I have noticed here is that because the majority of us (it seems) share classrooms and have offices, the rooms themselves tend to be more clutter free than other schools in which I have taught.
Without a doubt I feel that the physical learning environment plays a role in student learning. If a student is in a supportive, positive learning environment in which they feel safe in then they will have a lot more of a valuable learning experience. Also, I feel students will be more successful in an environment that is free of distractions such clutter, distracting noises and students acting up or causing problems.
I think I am speaking for Ray, as well as me, when I say "yes, physical environment does impact learning". As leaders of our Induction group, we have definitley felt the difference when we are all in a row, with us up at the front, compared to in a circle, even with desks. Last year we never circled up and I don't think the group really knew one another. It seems to me that you are all a tight knit group. I don't know if the arrangement of the chairs caused that but I would like to think that maybe they did just a little bit. I think barriers go down when kids/adults have to actually look at one another. On the other hand, is this even logistically possible with some of the larger classes? I doubt it. I wonder how those teachers break the barriers down?
My first blog - does this work?
I agree with CJ. A positive learning environment (LE) would harbor greater success in the student. Even as a teacher, imagine teaching where you don't have access to a computer, library, or a projector. Also, picture a building with a leaky roof, crumbling drywall, and trash everywhere. Would you like to come to work each day? I wouldn't think so. Now imagine, having to do ridiculous amounts of work, or having a principal that is not supportive of what you are doing in your classroom. If you wouldn't like to work under these conditions, how do you think the kids would be able to learn? The more pride the students have in their school the better chance for them to succeed. The kids will have pride in their school if they have a positive LE. The looks of the school are not the only aspect of the LE. This could also be, the way teachers and administrators treat the students. If the teachers like where they work and demonstrate this to the students then the students will also like the school. If the students hear positive comments from the teacher then they will be more likely to try harder.
I believe that a positive learning envrionment is different from a physical learning environment, though they can go hand in hand. A positive learning envrionment is essential for all students. I don't know if a physical learning envrionment makes a huge difference for all students. There are some students that can learn in any situation, where others are more influenced by the physical envrionment in which they are trying to learn. It's important for students to help create a learning environment suitable for their individual needs.
I agree that the physical learning environment can have a dramatic affect on student learning. Classrooms that have too much "going on" can inhibit students' ability to focus on the task at hand. Likewise, the positioning of the board and other essential items (such as the trash can or pencil sharpener) can also affect learning. If students are continuously disrupting class in order to sharpen their pencils or throw away trash, it may be hard for the other students to concentrate.
I have found that classrooms that are set up in a way that makes it difficult for the teacher to have good mobility are less conducive to learning. When I am unable to move around the classroom and teach, I have found that students tend to lose focus and are more likely to be distracted by cell phones, their friends, work for other classes, daydreaming, and other distractions. Also, I have taught in a classroom where the tables are set up so the students on each side of the room are facing each other, and I noticed that the class had a tendency to be more chatty and distracted. Bottom line, the physical environment has a significant impact on student learning.
I agree that a clean, organized, and cluster free environment will enhance a student's learning. I have always had my own room in the past and I noticed that students felt at ease and comfortable during class. Students are able to focus on their education if they are mentally at ease and stress free. This year, I have noticed students behaving differently in different type of classrooms. My period 3 students have a more "traditional" classroom on Thursdays and I notice that they are more focused and organized on those days.
I, also, believe that a teacher's attitude affects the student's learning. Having a positive, unthreatening teaching style along with a physically comfortable learning environment will give students the best possible chance to succeed.
I think, without a doubt, that the physical environment affects student learning and achievement. As educators, we need to be aware of making optimal use of instructional space with the goal being to enhance student learning. Admittedly, when teachers have to share classroom space, it may be difficult to tailor the surroundings to meet all learning needs/educational goals. Language arts teachers will likely want a classroom environment that is text-rich, yet for some learners such an environment may be overwhelming. Knowing who your student population is will be key to successfully finding a balance to what works best most of the time for most students. I agree with Melissa’s comments about how seating arrangements can impact the interactions of students both positively and negatively. I agree that tables or desks often create a barrier. Jeremy also makes a good point regarding teacher mobility and how this impacts student success. Not only does it make a difference whether a teacher can easily move around a room to assist students, teacher proximity often helps to maintain or improve student behavior and attention.
It's funny that this is a topic because Lindsay in our department started buying fake plants and other decorations trying to spice up the rooms we teach in making it a "more positive" learning environment. I agree with what everyone says, it definitely makes a difference.
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