When we think of an environment. Surely a few things come to mind: A surrounding, a place, a place of dwelling, the condition surrounding us, and so on.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, environment is defined as the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded.
Science on the other hand defined the environment of a living thing as everything around it that could affect its survival. These are environmental factors which can be due to living and non-living factors. It is the most important component in life because the survival of an organism depends greatly on the environment. God created environment first before the organism. This tells us that the environment must be ready before the organism, or any activity.
In the context of learning, the environment is everything/conditions that affect learning. The condition where learners learn. A learning environment can include physical spaces such as classrooms, virtual spaces such as digital platforms like Zoom, Skype and Google Classroom and so
A learning environment must be prepared before learning can take place because the conditions of learning must affect the totality of the learner and his or her learning. The earlier we understand that, the better.
According to Myles Munroe, “Everything was created to exist within a prescribed environment”
Everything was created to function in a specific type of environment therefore learning must happen in a specific type of environment.
Types of Learning Environments
A learning environment can be conducive or toxic.
A conducive environment is a specific type of learning environment. It begins with the teachers, though the school has a big role to play but the teachers' role is paramount.
Components of a conducive learning environment
Lesson planning -Conducive learning environment begins with planning. Teachers who desire a conducive learning environment for their learners must plan their lessons very well. They must ensure that all the active teaching skills and practices are in place before the learning. It is not ideal to run around when your learners are coming into your classroom or are already seated for learning to take place.
Acceptance- This is the first contact point of learners and teachers. Teachers must give a warm welcome to their learners as they enter the classroom through verbal and non-verbal expressions. Acceptance is a key action, it makes learners feel welcomed . Learners with the baggages of life can find a ground to drop them for effective learning to take place.It is like a soothing balm. So teachers must cultivate the attitude of welcoming their learners into the classroom.Rejection can have a tremendous impact on learning.
Safe and Active – A conducive learning environment must be safe and active. the opinion and voice of learners must count.No victimization or microaggressions. of any kind. On no account should a teacher shout down a learner/learners or confine them in a row with a command to be quiet and receive the information being loaded.
I understand and believe in discipline but let us know when to draw the line. There is a limit to everything. Learner –interaction, engagement and collaboration are crucial learning components.Learners must lead their learning.
Inclusive in function- Every learner is unique, so individual differences exist and must be embraced. Engage the slogan ‘No child is left behind”. Provision must be made for different kinds of learning styles so that all learners will be carried along.
Learner support is very important both during and after the lesson. A teacher must recognize those that need support and ensure they get it.
Assessment and Feedback -Teachers should be able to assess the work of the learners and learners can assess themselves and each other. Apart from the constructive feedback from the teacher,learners can as well give honest feedback to themselves.In this way, deeper learning will occur.
Significance of a positive learning environment
A positive learning environment creates a positive learning experience
Positive learning environment helps learners to discover who they are in life.
It promotes confidence,innovative mindset, good behaviour and research skills.
Toxic learning as the name implies is toxic to learning. These toxins affects the learning condition in a tremendous way . Unpreparedness,shouting ,aggression , negative body language and expression, subtle insults are the easiest ways to add toxins to the learning environment.Toxic learning promotes inappropriate behaviour which will negatively affect learning.
Our classrooms should be a place of building, healing and not harm
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