Effect of Classroom Atmosphere on Student Learning

Richard M. Yumang

With the classroom being such an important place in the growth of a child it is

important to understand the ways in which to affect this environment in order to

receive maximum effectiveness in instruction.

If schools really do play a large role in teaching the next generation how to be

successful members of society then every precaution should be taken to make sure

that the learning environment is one that helps students thrive. If not approached

correctly, a classroom can be set up in a way that stifles creativity or does not

promote a positive learning environment. There are many things that can affect this

environment. There are physical elements such as wall art, arrangement of desks,

or resources.

A large amount of a child’s time is spent sitting in a school classroom. This

place is where they will learn the various skills deemed necessary and proper for

them to achieve success in the global society. The classroom is where they will

gain an understanding of their place in the world and the gifts that they have to offer

it. It is where the student develops what they want their future to look like, as well

as knowledge of the skills needed to reach that goal. Also, there are intangible

elements such as the energy of the classroom, the rules, or the sounds within the

room. Each of these can impact a student’s focus and achievement in the class.

They can also affect a teacher’s attitude in the class.

Included in each of these elements of the classroom is the emotional environment.

The way in which a teacher organizes their class, or how they control it, will

yield positive or negative consequences for their students. If a teacher is unmotivated

or negative there will be a direct impact on the students within the classroom.

Similarly, if a teacher is motivated and positive they will likely have a beneficial

impact on their students as well. It is important for a teacher to understand this

cause and effect in order to understand how to organize their classroom to create

a better learning.

Several classroom adaptations and argue that their strengths outweigh their

weaknesses. The standard for many classrooms today is to have desks aligned in

rows within the classroom. This system of arrangement seems to make students

lose focus and creates a higher number of disruptions in the classroom.1 This

structure does not encourage interaction between students and focuses more on

the student as an individual completing their own work.

Humans are social creatures that want attention, and if they aren’t going to be

able to get it from their classmates then they will commonly act out to get attention

from their teacher. One of the first areas that make a noticeable impact on student

success is the physical environment of the classroom. This can pertain to a variety

of details. It can be structure, resources, color. All of these can play a role in

determining whether the classroom will be conducive for learning. Each may not

have a large effect individually, however together they can work to strengthen a

student’s ability to learn.

When a student first steps into a room they will make a judgment about the type

of class they are going to be taking. They will look to see how desks are arranged.

They will notice what is hanging on the walls. The way in which a teacher sets up

their class allows them to communicate with their students non-verbally.

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The author is Teacher III at DapDap Elementary School, Division of

Mabalacat City