All parents want their children to excel in school. How well a child does depends less on the intelligence of the child and more on the various external factors that make up the learning environment. These external factors are greatly influenced by the providers of education such as The King’s College. When the teachers foster a positive learning environment, the learning outcome is more successful. The motivation to learn comes from within the student. How the learning environment is set up impacts the student’s motivation. Here is more information on how a good learning environment is important to students.
A Physical Environment Conducive to Learning
Children are easily influenced by external stimuli. If certain behaviors are expected in the classroom, then the classroom should be set up in a way that promotes this behavior. For example, when students are expected to focus on the teacher during a lesson, The classroom should be free of distractions like noise from the outside. The room should be well-ventilated so it is neither too hot nor too cold. There should be good lighting, preferably plenty of natural light. Seating should be arranged in a way that is appropriate for the activity. For example, if a lesson involves a group discussion about a story, the seating should be arranged in a way that allows the students to easily engage with each other. An uncomfortable room will distract the student from concentrating on the lesson because he will be thinking too much about how uncomfortable he is.
An Environment That Fosters Support and Respect
Students are expected to show respect to the teacher, but that respect should be mutual. Students are not cut from cookie cutters. They have differences and opinions. Excluding behaviors and actions that disrupt the class, the teacher should respect and accept these differences in their students. Children can think and learn in non-traditional ways, and sometimes they have opinions that are outside of the box. For the teacher, instead of telling the student that he is wrong, he should allow opportunities to further discuss these differences. If needed, extra class aides might be needed to support these students so they will feel that they are still contributing to the class despite their differences. They must feel their differences are respected.
An Environment Centred on Positive Emotions
When a child feels sad, angry, frustrated, or stressed out, his mind cannot receive new information effectively. It is in the physiology of the brain chemicals. So, when the child is filled with negative emotions, he cannot learn. That means the teacher should use positive reinforcements when a student achieves a goal instead of punishing the student when he does not achieve a goal. There is a big difference there. Positive reinforcement nurtures confidence and wellbeing, while punishment destroys self-esteem.
In a poor learning environment, even the most intelligent child will lose motivation and struggle to do well. However, in a positive learning environment, like what you can find in many Christian schools, any child can be motivated to do well. With the right support, the student can succeed and flourish.
