A positive and productive learning environment is important for any studying, whether in the classroom, a study space at home, or if you’re a tutor using your home for classes. The learning environment makes a real difference to students and consists of not just the physical setting, but the atmosphere, and the way space makes the learner feel as well. Here are some tips to create an ideal learning environment.
Create order and get rid of clutter. A room that is free of clutter will allow for more open minds. Clutter can be distracting, so get rid of it and put things away. Arrange the furniture in a way that discourages traffic around the room, but allows for students who may share the space to talk to each other, so they can work together when they need to.
Make things comfortable. School and university furniture should be comfortable, so people aren’t distracted by being uncomfortable while they’re trying to work. Comfort should also include the temperature and general aesthetic appeal. If your study space is somewhere hot and humid, make accommodations so studiers aren’t too hot, as they won’t be able to focus. The same goes for being too cold.
Take health and safety seriously. If young children will be using the space to learn, then childproof your furniture and equipment. Even if the people working in the space will be adults, you still need things to be safe. Look out for any health hazards and environmental allergens, and remove them.
Include your students in the creation of the classroom. If other people will be using your space, for example, if you’re a tutor, then get your students involved in planning the layout of your furniture and equipment. This makes sure that the room is welcoming to those who will use it, and meets all their needs.
Provide support, recognition, and feedback. This gives your learners the motivation to learn, make mistakes, and accomplish new things.
Provide discipline when it’s needed. If you’re in charge of teaching others, then you will need to set clear rules for behavior. Disruptive behavior will disrupt learning. Set a clear code of conduct, and make it clear that everyone you teach must conduct themselves in line with this, in a respectable manner. Ask your students to be accountable, and make discipline about growth, not punishment.
Get to know your students and spend time with them. They should know that you are important in their lives, and feel comfortable in your classroom. If they do, they can relax and focus on learning.
Give the students you tutor an outlet for self-expression. If you have dedicated classroom space, then you could choose a place to display their artworks or pieces of writing to help them feel proud of their work. This is especially effective with younger children.
Be friendly. Remember to smile, joke and laugh sometimes. Try not to remain stiff and authoritarian all the time when working with the people you tutor. If you don’t, they might become frightened of you, becoming disinterested in their work, or not wish to apply themselves.
Invest in your own education regarding alternative teaching and learning styles. Guides such as the one created by Danny Swersky on pedagogy and the science of learning, reliable online resources, and training courses can help you become a better tutor. Ultimately, this greatly contributes to the success of your students and towards creating a harmonious learning environment for all.
