Classroom environment is a broad term and the study  in this area is far reaching and defined in many different ways according to theory as well as practice. Regardless of the definition, there are many important findings from the research as a whole that can impact students’ learning and behaviour. This is also an area of continued growth  as changes in technology and social culture alter the dynamics of what is considered classroom environment.

One of these areas to consider is the environment beyond the classroom. There has been debate on the impact of school-wide environment on classroom environment. With an increased importance placed on school-wide performance in order to demonstrate school success in terms of annual academic progress of students, there is undoubtedly pressure on teachers to produce high scores on standardized  exams. This school-wide demand filters to the classroom and is communicated in various ways to students, directly impacting their experiences in the classroom.

Furthermore, the definition of classroom environment continues to evolve with the development   and increased use of technology in learning situations. Classrooms are now networked, expanding the environment beyond physical walls, enabling students to interact via email, video conferencing, and blogs. The addition of technology to the classroom has changed the environment, and research is only beginning to consider these new aspects and their impacts on classroom outcomes.

Information gained from ongoing studies of classroom environment continues to impact teachers’ knowledge. Learning about factors that may shape students’ perceptions of their learning environment, how teachers’ actions appear to students, and how changes made to the learning environment may stimulate and encourage learning continue to be of the utmost importance to classroom teachers.

By: CHARINA C. DIZON | T-I | Mariveles NHS Poblacion Mariveles, Bataan