Role of the Classroom Environment
Sarah Starliper, Taylor Roland, Audrey Paluch
Sarah Starliper, Taylor Roland, Audrey Paluch
The classroom environment, whether physical (layout, resources) or emotional (class culture, relationships), ultimately serves as the foundation for effective instruction and student success. Our classroom environments are a blend of the social, emotional, and instructional elements of our class. Research shows that many aspects of our classroom environment can affect student motivation and that students who are more motivated, put more effort into learning activities (Ambrose, 2010).
What is a learning environment in a classroom? Why are learning environments important? What are the elements of a positive learning environment? What is the impact of a learning environment on a student?
By including a seating chart, you can create not only a healthy classroom environment, but a healthy classroom culture.
"It is integral for teachers to find a layout that suits their preference and instructional style, in ways that make them most engaging and effective. But it is also important to create an environment where students can support each other."
This link gives a variety of seating chart options depending on the number of students in your class and what you want your ideal layout to feel like.
https://organizedclassroom.com/category/classroom-seating-charts/
Before you choose a seating chart for your students, there are many things to consider.
Based on your classroom management techniques and ideals for your schoolyear, there are a variety of layouts and arrangements.
This link provides a step-by-step on what factors to consider when arranging your classroom.
Different elements of your classroom environment can impact students' motivation, according to research, and motivated students will work harder on their learning tasks.
Some examples of strategies that you could incorporate into your future classroom are:
Setting guidelines and goals
Creating a sense of belonging
Instructor and course organization
Check out this resource! Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen is a great book to read out loud with your class, or even show them this video. The book highlights how all families can look different, especially your classroom family!
Having a family dynamic in the classroom evironment sets students up for success as it makes them more comfortable and eager to learn/share.
Social Emotional Learning is so important in the classroom. SEL’s five core competencies—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—can all be integrated into the classroom to make a positive learning environment. The resource provided below provides guidance and resources to collaborate with teachers on creating a supportive classroom environment through building a strong sense of community, creating structures that foster belonging and emotional safety, establishing student-centered discipline practices that promote SEL. Check it out!
Classroom environments come in a variety of forms. While some classrooms are more project-based, others are more conventional.
Some different classroom environments include:
Physical Environment
Psychological Environment
Emotional Environment
The classroom environment is one of the key elements in the learning process. The classroom environment, which can include factors such as the physical layout of the classroom, amount of noise, and distractions present in the room, can all affect a student's classroom behavior.
Creating a positive classroom environment for students is important because it directly impacts all aspects of student life, including their academic performance and social interactions with classmates and teachers. A positive classroom environment promotes better self-esteem among children, which leads to higher academic achievement.