{"id":63430,"date":"2022-09-09T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-09T08:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/?p=63430"},"modified":"2026-02-09T15:35:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T15:35:48","slug":"how-to-create-a-positive-learning-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/how-to-create-a-positive-learning-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a Positive Learning Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A child\u2019s learning environment is the area and culture in which they learn, encompassing their physical, social and emotional surroundings. A positive learning environment can support all<\/em> children to flourish. Yet without safe and secure surroundings, a child\u2019s ability to learn is severely hindered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will be exploring the question: what is a learning environment? We will highlight the importance of a positive learning environment and we\u2019ll provide you with a range of practical strategies that you can use to improve your teaching and learning space. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\u2018A teacher must establish a safe and stimulating environment for pupils, rooted in mutual respect.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Teachers\u2019 Standards, Department for Education<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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What is a Positive Learning Environment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A positive learning environment is not a well-backed display with a perfectly trimmed border, nor is it a set of meticulously labelled desk accessories. It\u2019s also not a space created during the summer holidays in preparation for the next academic year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A learning environment is much more than what you see visually. It consists of three main ingredients \u2013 the physical, social and emotional environments. For any high-quality teaching strategy to have an impact, these elements must exist harmoniously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine the learning environment as the foundations of your teaching and learning. Take them away, and your students\u2019 ability to flourish begins to crumble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A learning environment is forever \u2018under construction.\u2019 It will need to be constantly adapted to suit your students\u2019 needs<\/strong>. Wherever you are in your teaching career, it\u2019s important to take the time to reflect upon the learning environment which your students experience. This reflection will help you to consider which elements need strengthening or altering in order to bolster the teaching and learning provision on offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look at each of the three elements of a learning environment in turn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical Environment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, schools must create a physical environment that allows all pupils to feel content, comfortable and focused. This means consideration of light, noise, air quality, temperature, reflections and wall colours. For example, where possible, there should be good natural light in classrooms, and quality electrical lighting. Ideally, there should be no glare from direct sunlight, blinds should be effective and the whiteboard projection should be easy to see. An organised and clutter-free space can help students to be more attentive and more engaged with their learning. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\u2018The physical and social environment in which staff and pupils spend a high proportion of every weekday may have profound effects on their physical, emotional and mental health as well as affecting their attainment.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Public Health England, The Link Between Pupil Health and Wellbeing and Attainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Social Environment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Schools must also create an environment that is socially beneficial to learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every school must have an effective, well-established and universally understood whole-school approach to behaviour, to ensure solutions exist which aim to eliminate poor behaviour. Any behaviour that detracts from the academic and social success of the school community, or weakens the self-esteem of staff or students, must be addressed effectively and efficiently if schools wish to nurture an environment conducive to learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an independent 2017 report<\/a> for the Department for Education, Tom Bennett states that schools can optimise behaviour by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n