Features of an Effective Learning Environment
By Anthony M. Wanjohi
1.0 Introduction
An interactive teaching and learning station
consists of a digital whiteboard, a document camera, personal student input
devices, a wireless keyboard/mouse, and on-demand online resources. These
combined tools allow for a rich teaching/learning environment that includes
dynamic and interactive engagement that guides classroom discussion (Smith,
1996).
The best learning environment is one of high
challenge and low stress and for the learning to be effective, the environment
must be conducive for learning and thus allowing the pupils space and time to
interact within the learning and teaching process. Creation and
maintenance of a stimulating learning environment can be achieved through
effective classroom organization, interaction and a climate of
innovation. Brighouse & Woods (1999)
revealed that:
Features of an effective learning environment
One of the most important tasks for a teacher is
the creation of an effective learning environment. There are many factors that
are involved in creating an effective learning environment. These include the
following:.
Teachers' Knowledge
Teachers should have thorough knowledge of the
subjects they are teaching to bring out quality in education. They are
interested in the subjects that they teach, are usually able to show the need
for their subjects, and they consider the success of their students important.
A teacher's knowledge of their subject matter is very important factor in that
teacher's effectiveness. A teacher with a high level of knowledge can usually
explain a subject better to students (Excellence and Enjoyment: learning and teaching
in the primary years, 2004).
Role modeling
Teachers should act as a good role model for
students as they can show that learning their subjects is necessary and
possibly fun. A teacher should also be interested in their subject matter.
Development materials for The Standards Site claim that teachers should
"Inspire learning through passion for the subject. This includes: bringing
the subject alive; and making it relevant to learners' wider goals and
concerns" (Excellence and Enjoyment: learning and teaching in the primary
years, 2004).
Setting high standards
Teachers should consider it very important that
their students succeed. They should set high standards, and they should also be
able to help any students that have minor troubles in the school.
Control over classroom
The Primary National Strategy Report said that
schools should "improve the tracking of pupils' progress and make best use
of available data to identify underachievement and take early and rigorous
action" (Primary National Strategy: An evaluation of its impact on primary
schools 2004/05, 2005), and "take greater responsibility for tackling the
issues that underpin fluctuating standards" (Primary National Strategy: An
evaluation of its impact on primary schools 2004/05, 2005). Teachers should
always take control of the classroom or If they
fail to do this, most students will not be able to learn effectively. There
also will be severe disciplinary problems, and some students might be
threatened. All students should be treated equally in order to archive
effective learning in schools. If teachers play favorites or practice
discriminatory behavior, many students will dislike them, and the education of
the students that are discriminated against will suffer. Discrimination by
teachers can also lead to legal problems for the schools. (New Arrivals
Excellence Program Guide, 2007)
Maintaining Effective Teaching
If students are taught effectively, they will
achieve at high levels, become more interested in learning, and cause fewer
disciplinary problems. A poor learning environment in a primary school can
severely harm the intellectual development of children. A teacher should plan
to create an effective learning environment wherever they teach. Better
Planning is important- the report on the success of the Primary National
Strategy claimed that "In almost all schools, leadership and management
are satisfactory or better. In most cases, head teachers and subject leaders
are committed to improving provision, raising standards and supporting the continuing
professional development of staff. However, long standing weaknesses in a few
persist, with underachievement not being tackled rigorously enough"
(Primary National Strategy: An evaluation of its impact on primary schools
2004/05, 2005).
Conclusion
It is therefore evident that, a rich environment for learning
should ensure that the resources are appropriate, accessible, identifiable and
relevant to children’s learning needs. The environment should also support
pupils to become independent and active learners. The teacher most important
task is to create an effective learning environment. Finally, if the classroom
is an effective learning environment, students will achieve more and have more
positive attitudes towards education.
References
Brighouse, T & Woods, D (1999): How to
improve your school.
Boekerts, M. (1996). Personality and
psychological learning. Journal of personality, Vol. 10
Excellence and Enjoyment (2004): learning
and teaching in the primary years, Crown Copyright. Available at: http://www.standards.dfes.gov.
New Arrivals Excellence Program (2007): Guidance,
Crown Copyright Available at: http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/publications/inclusion/neap_guidance/
Primary National Strategy (2005): An
evaluation of its impact on primary schools. Crown Copyright.Available at: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/index.cfm?fuseaction=pubs.summary&id=4117
Rothstein. R. (2000). Towards a composite index of school performance. In
elementary school Journa.l vol.100
Smith, A. (1996): Accelerated
Learning in the Classroom Network. Educational Press Ltd
Swedish work and environment authority
(2005). Pupil’s environment in schools. Retrieved on 20 May, 2010 from http://www.av.se/inenglish.
Suggested
Citation in APA
Wanjohi,
A.M. (2010). Features of an effective learning
environment. KENPRO Publications. Available
online at http://www.kenpro.org/papers/features-of-an-effective-learning-environment.htm
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