Importance of Environment in the Classroom

Classroom environments should be a place where all students feel safe and welcome.

Classroom environments are extremely important for students and for teachers. Everything from the color of the walls to the arrangement of the desks sends impressions to students and can affect the way a student learns. The emotional environment also will affect the learning environment and how well a student receives instruction.

1 Emotional Environment

Creating a positive learning environment is essential for success in the classroom. Teachers should create a welcoming atmosphere where student feel safe and willing to share. Classrooms should represent the students equally and everyone should know each other's name. Teachers who use humor in the classroom also create more positive environments.

2 Physical Environments

Structuring the physical environment of a classroom means strategically placing desks, students, decorations, and playing music. Desks arranged in a circle give the impression of sharing, while coupled desks work well as workstations. The color of the walls and the decorations on the walls also send impressions. Light colors open up spaces and warm colors are welcoming.

3 Respectful Environments

Classrooms should be a place where students feel respected and feel their contributions matters. No student should be singled out or secluded in the classroom. Every student should feel accepted, wanted and respected.

Hilary Atkinson started writing professionally in 2010 for BC Business Online. She contributes to several online publications, specializing in sports, travel, arts and culture. Atkinson graduated from the University of British Columbia with a master's degree in journalism. She also works as a realtor in Barrie, Ontario.

×