By Jonathan C. Erwin, M.A., author of The SEL Solution: Integrate Social and Emotional Learning into Your Curriculum and Build a Caring Climate for All There is a direct relationship between the kind of learning environment teachers create in their classrooms and student achievement. To ensure a positive classroom environment, teachers must explain why expectations are important. But the most important part of a positive early learning environment is you. The instructional environment is the setting for all teaching. Even in adult learning, a connection with the lecturer or presenter enhances learning outcomes. This keeps students engaged, which means they will likely remember content long-term. Through our own learning process, listening to our customers, looking at the work of progressive movements such as Montessori and being influenced by inspirational figures such as Sir Ken Robinson, enabled us to recognise that we need to look at the whole of the learning environment … Creating a positive learning environment is not new to career and technical educators. 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. Stressing Civility Fill your classroom with positive messages and quotes. In 2002, June Youatt and Elizabeth Hitch identified six functions that Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teachers should consider when planning a positive learning environment. Read the full article about the importance of school environments by Amelia Harper at Education Dive. Why is a positive learning environment important for learners? Components of the Learning Environment . Always respond with positivity. Teachers are an essential part of fostering the type of learning environment in the … They need to know they are important to you. Here are 10 specific strategies for developing the optimal classroom climate… This involvement will allow them to become stakeholders in the learning process and encourages an atmosphere of shared beliefs (Andrews, 2008). Some studies even suggest that school climate is a key factor in student achievement and teacher retention. The physical atmosphere of the classroom can help prevent behavior issues as well as promote and improve learning. 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. 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 (Elizabeth F. Barkley, 2010.… Build positive relationships with students by being approachable, encouraging and consistent. Students must also have an input in the development of a positive environment. When teacher’s instructions are clear, there are hands-on activities, cooperative learning groups, and small group activities, learning is interesting and fun. In any learning environment supportive, positive, validating adults contribute to the success of students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and beyond. Well, an environment where students do not feel accepted or respected is a distraction from learning. There are specific practices that educators can adopt to embrace SEL in the classroom, which also create a positive school climate and environment that supports students’ deeper learning. 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