Creating A positive learning environment
“A positive, encouraging manner engages a more positive learning atmosphere and can help in the maintenance of long-term positive behaviour” (Rogers 2011, p. 130).
Teachers have the responsibility to provide a quality learning environment that is safe, accepting, fair and equal (NSW DET 2003). It is important to have a well thought out and purposeful learning space to facilitate learning (Cheryan et al. 2014). The learning environment influences students’ emotional, physical and intellectual needs and well-being. A learning space that addresses these needs will increase a sense of belonging, security and motivation (Maslow 1943). Therefore, it is important to create an inclusive learning space that values the diverse student strengths and abilities. A positive learning environment results in greater productivity from all students, eases planning, reduces stress, and promotes greater health and satisfaction (Rogers 2011). Dewey (1937) believed that students thrive in an environment where they are allowed to experience and interact with the curriculum, and all students should have the opportunity to take part in their own learning.
Consider these areas when you are planning a positive learning environment:
Consider these areas when you are planning a positive learning environment:
- Classroom layout
- Learning areas
- Desk arrangements
- Furniture choices
- Resources
- Displays
- And when making decisions about these areas, think about the students you are catering for, purpose you are trying to achieve, style and atmosphere you are trying to achieve, and the practicality of it all.
- A welcoming classroom: students’ works are displayed around the classroom so they feel significant and valued.
- Classroom management: Rules founded on respect, responsibility and rights are accompanied with clear expectations to promote a caring environment.
- Classroom layout: The placement of special needs students must be carefully considered. For example, a child with vision impairment would be placed near the front, close to the board. Student interactions can increase learning and productivity in the classroom (Vygotsky, 1977). The students’ desks are in group formation and the teacher’s desk is strategically placed at the front corner of the classroom for visibility of the whole classroom.
Adapted from: Lyons, Ford & Arthur-Kelly, 2011
For more ideas
Setting Up Your Classroom: 9 Practical Things You May Not Have Thought Of
http://teach4theheart.com/2014/08/07/setting-up-your-classroom-9-practical-things-you-may-not-have-thought-of/
A range of desk arrangements for different number of students
http://www.classroomdeskarrangement.com/ClassroomDeskArrangement/Welcome.html
Setting Up Your Classroom: 9 Practical Things You May Not Have Thought Of
http://teach4theheart.com/2014/08/07/setting-up-your-classroom-9-practical-things-you-may-not-have-thought-of/
A range of desk arrangements for different number of students
http://www.classroomdeskarrangement.com/ClassroomDeskArrangement/Welcome.html
Desk arrangements
Here are some examples of ways you might like to set out the desks in your classroom.
classroom planner
This is a free and easy website you can use to plan your classroom layout: http://classroom.4teachers.org/
references
Cheryan, S, Ziegler, SA, Plaut, VC & Meltzoff, AN 2014, ‘Designing Classrooms to Maximize Student Achievement’, Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 4-12.
Lyons, G., Ford, M. & Arthur-Kelly, M. 2011, Classroom Management: Creating positive learning environments, 3rd edn, Cengage Learning, Australia.
Maslow, AH 1943, ‘A theory of human motivation’, Psychological review, vol. 50, no. 4, p. 370-396.
NSW Department of Education and Training (NSW DET), 2003, Quality Teaching in NSW Public Schools: Discussion Paper, Department of Education and Training, New South Wales, Australia.
Rogers, B 2011, Classroom behaviour: a practical guide to effective teaching, behaviour management and colleague support, 3rd edn, SAGE Publications, London.
Vygotsky, L.S. 1977, Mind in Society, Harvard University Press, Cambridge.
Lyons, G., Ford, M. & Arthur-Kelly, M. 2011, Classroom Management: Creating positive learning environments, 3rd edn, Cengage Learning, Australia.
Maslow, AH 1943, ‘A theory of human motivation’, Psychological review, vol. 50, no. 4, p. 370-396.
NSW Department of Education and Training (NSW DET), 2003, Quality Teaching in NSW Public Schools: Discussion Paper, Department of Education and Training, New South Wales, Australia.
Rogers, B 2011, Classroom behaviour: a practical guide to effective teaching, behaviour management and colleague support, 3rd edn, SAGE Publications, London.
Vygotsky, L.S. 1977, Mind in Society, Harvard University Press, Cambridge.
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