Creating an Environment for Learning While classrooms are socially complex environments, they can generally be considered in terms of three dimensions:
- Physical: Students are comfortable and not distracted by sensory stimuli such as noise. Seating and workspaces are arranged to complement planned activities, and to promote student interaction.
- Emotional/Social: Students feel secure in expressing their ideas, attempting unfamiliar tasks, and interacting with peers.
- Intellectual: Students personally invest in their own learning, and are enthusiastic for subject matter.
| - Arriving early to class and chatting with students.
- Making eye contact.
- Having everyone learn and use names.
- Using positive language.
- Moving chairs and desks to facilitate exchanges.
- Being consistent and transparent.
- Rewarding and acknowledging contributions.
- Explicitly referring and responding to students’ needs.
- Only interrupting students if necessary.
- Modeling respectful behavior.
| A positive classroom space and culture:
- Improves student motivation, enthusiasm and engagement
- Encourages students to take intellectual risks
- Helps students interact with, and learn from, each other
- Increases likelihood that students will seek help and support beyond the classroom.
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