When students, children, or adults are learning, it is important that they are doing so in the correct environment. One that is supportive and one that fosters learning is essential. If learners are in the incorrect environment, it may have an impact on how well they learn and on what they learn.
Create the Right Environment
To create the right environment, you need to think about what learners want. Get feedback and see what their perfect environment looks like. Would they appreciate spaces that are more minimalist? Or are they looking for spaces that are full of educational materials? The right environment is going to make them feel optimistic about learning and about advancing their education and knowledge. Size should not be a limiting factor, as even if you only have a small space to turn into a learning environment, you have a lot of potential.
Have the Right Seating and Furniture
Learners must be comfortable when they are studying, learning, or revising. If they are not comfortable, they are less likely to be engaged with what you are telling them or teaching them. You may want to have traditional desks or tables and chairs for focused learning. However, in those periods when they have a break or want to catch up on revision, why not introduce some softer, comfier chairs such as bean bag chairs? You can buy an embroidered bean bag chair and you can buy large seats that will give students a place to relax, perhaps after a long study session or even before an exam.
Think Carefully About the Lighting
Poor-lit educational settings can be off-putting, and they can restrict learners, but how much daylight is necessary? Poor lighting can make learners feel tired, and it can cause eye strain as well. When looking at lighting, always feature daylight bulbs that give off a white light instead of warm yellow. Daylight or bright white bulbs will make it easier for learners to concentrate and focus, even on darker days or even when no natural daylight is present.
Don’t Forget the Walls
Some learners can engage and focus a little better when walls are brightly colored – perhaps featuring block colors. Some may find it beneficial when walls are full of posters and other learning materials. There are, of course, other learners who may prefer distraction-free walls. Getting the right balance and mix can be difficult. You may find that having revision guides or posters on the walls is a happy medium.
Make the Space Positive
Positivity is essential in any learning environment, and maintaining positivity can sometimes be just as hard as encouraging it. To create a positive space, you must think about what you are using, and you must think about body language, mannerisms, and language used. A positive space can foster a love of learning. So, what can you do in your setting to be more positive, and how can you spread this positivity among the learners?
With these tips, you’ll be able to create a learning space that encourages people to enjoy learning.
