Children come from diverse family, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. A positive learning environment is one of the most critical components of a skills-based health education classroom. They contribute to students academic achievement and success and are associated with improved grades and test scores; strong attendance; positive relationships between students, adults, and their peers; and … For in-person professional development from TeachThought on how to create an effective learning environment in your classroom or school, contact us today.. For many years, storytelling has entertained children and adults alike. Characteristics of a positive learning environment. According to Dr. Elizabeth Barkley, author of “Student Engagement Techniques” (2010), “a positive learning environment means that a student feels comfortable, has a sense of rapport with their teacher and peers, and believes they can be successful.” Learning Environment I believe the most important aspect in a safe and positive learning environment is the rapport between a teacher and his or her students. It’s crucial to make personal connections with your students. Below is an additional list of simple strategies and tips from teachers, educators, and even parents, that have proven useful and effective for creating a positive, productive learning environment at school and in the classroom. Logistics. Students must also have an input in the development of a positive environment. Since students may learn in a wide variety of settings, such as outside-of-school locations and outdoor environments, the term is often used as a more accurate or preferred alternative to classroom, which has more limited and traditional connotations—a room with […] I suggest beginning by have a discussion with your students about how they learn best and then fashion your rules accordingly. Reflects God's grace. From this question students should be able to brainstorm a list of behaviors they believe are respectful, kind, fair, and appropriate. No matter how long you’ve been a teacher, there’s no doubt that you understand how important it is to create and build a positive learning environment where each student feels safe and secure enough to grasp the lessons that you provide each day. Developing a Positive Action curriculum is one of the most effective ways to teach and instill in students postive behaviors. Curiosity, persistence, flexibility, priority, creativity, collaboration, revision, and even the classic Habits of Mind are all great places to start. There are a number of ways families and educators can create an environment for children that is conducive to learning. The school facilities are an extension of ISB's learning philosophy and were designed to realize the school's vision; to nurture the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of students. All Rights Reserved. Although teachers keep up to date with pedagogical tools and classroom management strategies, trying to create a positive atmosphere is … Learning environment refers to the diverse physical locations, contexts, and cultures in which students learn. They need to know they are important to you. Wherever we are, we’d all like to think our classrooms are ‘intellectually active’ places. While it would be nice if all students shared the same understanding of positive behaviors, they don't. Have each student complete a survey and/or write a biography. Give students outlets for expression. A positive learning environment not only consists of the physical setting, but it also encompasses how the child feels or responds to the setting. That said, determining what a “good” learning environment is presents a few issues, as it is a truly subjective question. Spend time with students individually every day. As students enter your classroom, greet each one at the door. Make it clear that everyone in your classroom is to conduct themselves in a respectable manner, treat others with respect and respect the property of others. the physical environment should provide : a comfortable temperature • colorful decorations • familiar objects • students’ work on the walls • plants and flowers • peaceful music. Set Clear Expectations. All these influences, and others, shape students' perspective of what's appropriate, and what is not. Logistics. A positive learning environment depends on classroom management / structure and a climate for student success. I cringe when I visit classrooms and see “No Talking” as classroom rule #1. The before phase is made of four elements. If you want to survive the school year, then you must set clear expectations … Learn How Animation Can Help Create A Positive eLearning Environment In this day and age where everything is leaning toward a digital platform, education is far from being an exception, as learners are increasingly opting for eLearning. Give students who exhibit inappropriate behaviors a place to cool off and calm down. Recommended for. Also, remember to celebrate success. The before phase is made of four elements. Since students may learn in a wide variety of settings, such as outside-of-school locations and outdoor environments, the term is often used as a more accurate or preferred alternative to classroom, which has more limited and traditional connotations—a room with rows of desks and a … Address Learners’ Needs. A good learning environment may be a great attribute to the success of an online course. Why is a positive learning environment important for learners? Third, feelings, children experience about themselves, are based in large part by their actions. Provide frequent positive feedback. 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A positive learning environment is created when you value participatory teaching and learning and when there is trust and rapport among students and between yourself and students. It’s crucial to make personal connections with your … These conditions for learning are the elements of a schools climate that students experience personally. The term learning environment can refer to an educational approach, cultural context, or physical setting in which teaching and learning occur. Positivity is a key component a positive learning environment. Clutter should be kept to a minimum, though it should be well-equipped with the necessary books and materials for the subject being taught. For students to learn, they must feel safe, engaged, connected, and supported in their classrooms and schools. So, how do you help students consistently engage in positive actions? Certificates, stickers, toy prizes, tickets, tokens and other reward systems are great ways to recognize students and reinforce positive behavior and achievement in the classroom. A positive learning environment is a place where students feel comfortable participating in class. Helping students learn that by changing a negative thought to a positive they can produce positive actions, and that positive actions will help them feel good about themselves is a powerfull intrinsic motivator. Students thrive in environments where they feel safe, nurtured and respected. Praise is a powerful positive motivational tool. Always looking at the positive in everything that children do can help them to be more confident. A positive learning environment should be an inspiring space, and this is rarely achieved by an unattractive or noisy learning environment. Copyright © 2020 Bright Hub Education. Do everything you can to make the physical environment of your classroom as comfortable and cheerful as possible. Positive actions such as time management and managing our emotions help us better manage our own affairs. The instructional environment is the setting for all teaching. Make discipline about accountability and growth instead of punishment. There are three elements of a positive learning environment; physical, psychological, and instructional. Such an environment provides relevant content, clear learning goals and feedback, opportunities to build social skills, and strategies to help students succeed (Weimer, 2009). of a nurturing, healthy learning environment for students include: (1) psychological safety, (2) a positive self - image, (3) feelings of belonging, (4) purposeful behavior, Teacher Assessment on Performance Standard 7: Positive Learning Environment TKES Quick Guide “Academic success for students begins with a trusting and mutually Establish a supportive learning culture. Interacting with students in a positive manner, exhibiting positive behaviors, and maintaining a positive attitude is one of the most important steps for creating a positive learning environment and producing successful students. Positive actions such as admitting mistakes and taking responsible for our actions allow us to be honest with others and ourselves. Well, an environment where students do not feel accepted or respected is a distraction from learning. A supportive learning environment can mean the difference between having a good day and a bad day. A happy environment is a setting that has structure and routine so that children can rely on a secure environment. Creating a positive learning environment will optimize student learning, help you build a cohesive classroom community and create a pleasant work environment for both you and your students. Allow students to make appointments with you to talk privately about overwhelming problems, issues and dilemmas. Stress not only hinders our learning but actually goes so far as to make us forget what we’ve learned before. No matter how long you’ve been a teacher, there’s no doubt that you understand how important it is to create and build a positive learning environment where each student feels safe and secure enough to grasp the lessons that you provide each day. A learning environment is the educational setting and how it looks and feels and can be positive or negative. Positive learning, however, cannot just happen on its own they must be created in schools. Recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviors is one of the most effective ways to produce positive actions in students, strengthen intrinsic motivation, and create a productive and positive learning environment. And to say that the learning environment for students is extremely important would be an understatement. Positive actions such as problem-solving, decision-making and thinking skills develop the brain and make us smarter. A positive learning environment can be divided into three key phases. As one works hard in creating a positive learning environment for students, stay focused on the present. It’s reasonable to say a classroom needs to be equally emotionally nurturing as it is educational. Provide a box for students to place slips of paper with concerns written on them. That positive actions lead to a good feeling and positive self image. 32 Strategies for Building a Positive Learning Environment. A positive and a good learning environment is important for student’s success as it promotes academic achievements. 10 Characteristics Of A Highly Effective Learning Environment. Creating a positive learning environment has overwhelmingly beneficial outcomes. Their potential for success depends on them being able to answer “yes” to both of these questions. But it isn't the only strategy. A good learning environment may be a great attribute to the success of an online course. In a classroom where values and roles remain constant and focus is placed on the positive aspects of learning, students will be more open to actively participating in class. Your classroom arrangement is the physical foundation of where your students will learn. Encourages students to want to be present. Positivity is a key component a positive learning environment. Nowadays, … This can give you valuable information that will help you find out who he or she is as a person and how you can best teach and support them. You will probably find tons of items to enliven your classroom collecting dust in those spaces. Creating a positive learning environment in your classroom will allow your students to feel comfortable, safe and engaged – something that all students deserve. If students don't have a clear and agreed upon understanding of positive and negative behaviors, it's difficult to create a positive learning environment in the classroom and at school. Positive action curriculum should teach students: Positive actions lead to positive behaviors, which help children feel good about themselves and others. Here are 10 specific strategies for developing the optimal classroom climate… Expectations for Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment To succeed in this course, students must attend all classes be on time for class be prepared for the day’s activities maintain a courteous and respectful attitude Policy on Electronic Devices All use of electronic devices within the classroom should be in support of course learning objectives. The best time to create a positive learning environment for your students is in the first weeks of the school year. As students make that connection between positive behavior and good feelings, and continue producing positive actions, they'll feel good about themselves, the intrinsic motivation is strengthened, and students will continue producing more positive actions and exhibiting positive behaviors. Below, we'll explore positive action strategy, and several simple tips, that teachers, educators, and even parents, can use for creating a positive, productive learning environment for students. This means that every square foot of it needs to be used for activities that support learning. The aim of this module is to support teachers to explore an element of managing the lesson by examining practical ways to ensure a positive classroom environment to benefit both teachers and learners. According to Dr. Elizabeth Barkley, author of "Student Engagement Techniques" (2010), "a positive learning environment means that a student feels comfortable, has a sense of rapport with their teacher and… At this point, together students and teacher should be able to agree that treating others the way we each want to be treated is the best code of conduct, and should set the stage for appropriate classroom behaviors. Interacting with students in a positive manner, exhibiting positive behaviors, and maintaining a positive attitude is one of the most important steps for creating a positive learning environment and producing successful students. Have them reflect about the unacceptable behavior they engaged in, discuss other ways they could have handled the situation and commit to taking action steps to insure that it will not happen again. First, actions are always preceded by thoughts. September 3, 2014 There are many ingredients that go into making a thriving learning environment. All students, even those who have learning difficulties and extraordinary personal challenges, can do well when they are physically comfortable, mentally motivated and emotionally supported. The learning environment theories focus on different constructs within the educational system that include the student, society, and the content being taught. Looking for new ways to improve your classroom environment? The Positive Action strategy we introduced above is one of the few character education programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education's What Works Clearinghouse to produce positive results in students' academic performance and behavior. In that sense, a positive learning environment should be: A safe place that students feel comfortable Humans naturally take in information more easily when they are at ease. The book Fostering Emotional Well-Being in the Classroom contains information that describes a positive learning environment. A positive learning environment is a place where students feel comfortable participating in class. … Set up a mailbox where students can send you either signed or anonymous notes about classroom issues. Local businesses and organizations may be willing to donate furnishings and other materials to help you create a positive learning environment. As one works hard in creating a positive learning environment for students, stay focused on the present. 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