Learning Environments

Concepts

Sauvé (1994) from
several studies. Araque(2021)

The environment as a problem.

to consider the environmental issues
that, in education, could reduce or limit appropriating knowledge

The environment as a resource to manage.

It is associated with the quality of life -and learningrecognizing
the environment is a necessary resource.

The environment as nature to appreciate, respect and preserve

A high sensitivity towards nature -as well as any learning space-, raising awareness

The environment as a biosphere to live together for a long time

to reflect on a global education, which implies the understanding of the different interrelated systems: physical, biological, economic, political

The environment as a way of life to know and to manage.

It is the everyday environment in each of man's spaces: school, family, work, leisure, public spaces, etc.

The community environment to participate

It refers to a shared, supportive and democratic
way interaction and way of life.

The Glossary of Educational Reform

Learning environment refers to the diverse
physical locations, contexts, and cultures in
which students learn.

Castro (2018)

Parras points out that this refers to the scenario in which favorable learning conditions exist and develop a dynamic space and time in which individuals develop capabilities, competencies, skills, and values.

Duarte, (2003) conceives the learning environment as a daily singular construction and reflection that ensures diversity and with it the richness of life in relationship.

Loughlin and Suina, indicate that "the learning environment is an environment arranged by the teacher to influence the life and behavior of children throughout the school day", and this is achieved by organizing the physical space (Cited in García-Chato, 2014).

William (2014), defines it as that place, context and culture in which students learn, comprising the interactions between the different elements that converge in it.

Characteristics

The learning environment is constituted by:

All the physical-sensory elements, such as light, color, sound, space, furniture, etc., that characterize the place where a student must learn, which must be considered for learning to be possible, in order for the student to enhance his or her capabilities.

The learning environment is conceived as a problem, as a means of life and relevance.

They should be seen as a problem, through which the student can discover mysteries and find their own solutions, by appropriating knowledge related to the investigation, evaluation and action of the issues that are inherent to them.

The learning environment is a resource

Learning environments deplete and degrade, so they must be sustainable and equitable participation, with a group organization, in which all actors work together (Viveros, 2011).

The learning environment is flexible

Learning environments must be able to modify and adjust to the territory to which they belong, according to the type of educational model established (Téllez, 2014).

The learning environment fosters autonomous learning and generates spaces for interaction.

It allows students to be responsible for their own learning process.

It is built jointly, enriching the production of knowledge through teamwork.

It allows students to take risks, be creative and critical, this is where the role of the teacher comes in, by fostering this and becoming aware of the needs (Davies, et al., 2013).

Learning environments must have the appropriate materials.

These tools are related to the use of time and space (Davies, et al., 2013), access to resources (including technological) and a special type of infrastructure, in which classes outside the classroom, are possible (Uncapher, 2016).

Learning environments must capture and develop teacher professionalism

Subtopic

Teacher becomes an active participant in the learning community, provides the necessary feedback and help to their students and encourages them to self-guide their learning (Viveros, 2011).

Advantages

It allows student learning to grow in quality, when teachers create pedagogical scenarios to teach how to learn, recognizing students' previous knowledge, the construction of knowledge and problem solving in the contexts in which they find themselves.

Learning environments should aim to support individuals in identifying, exploring and developing the optimum ways in which studunts themselves engage in the learning process, in a spirit of self-discovery and avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

the environment is mobilized according to the conditions and needs of the actors in the educational process

Provide students with rich and adapted teaching and learning materials, tasks, experiencesand environments

Develop skills like critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving; foremost, using appropriate approaches to teaching

Teacher's role

They should adapt their pedagogical
approach with the aim to facilitate learning
rather than direct it

Educators may also argue that learning environments have both a direct and indirect influence on student learning, including their engagement in what is being taught, their motivation to learn, and their sense of well-being, belonging, and personal safety.

Good teachers and instructors try to shape the environment in which they are teaching to create the right conditions for learning.

To know their students, and in particular, to identify from the vast range of information regarding students and their differences, which are the most important for the design of teaching and learning in a digital age

The School Climate

The school climate refers to the interaction, communication between those who are within the teaching - learning process;

Students can freely express themselves, make known any concerns or doubts in favor of obtaining a true learning.

According to the NCSC

A positive school climate includes: Norms, values, and expectations that support people feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe.

People are engaged and respected.

Students, families, and educators work together to develop and contribute to a shared school
vision.

Methods

Innovative learning environments foster the
“active engagement” of learners, otherwise
they can hardly be expected to participate
in a meaningful way.

Correa (2008) affirm that learning environments should not be limited to a specific moment in the learning process

He identifies three stages

BEFORE: represents the set of preparatory activities, which could serve as guidelines or introductory steps

DURING: represents the essence of the process,
where the most important approaches and actions are developed, confronted and specified

AFTER: where the students individually or collectively create links and advance in their own learning.

A positive school climate creates a safe and favorable environment that cultivates social
and emotional, ethical and academic skills.

Student-centered Learning

The term “Learner-centered learning” can be considered an umbrella term that encompasses
different well-known teaching and learning practices, including project-based learning, personalized learning or social-emotional learning.

This perspective to be more effective to promote learning, combined with the
increased awareness on the demands of technological skills, required in today's world of work.

the student-centered model, as opposed to teacher-centered, is more effective in deep understanding because it connects the student with a wider range of experiences

Learners' role

An objectivist view of the world

The learner’s job is to acquire that coal or knowledge and then use it as necessary, either with or without the help of the teacher.

Learners have to develop some competences, including creativity, problem-solving, leadership, empathy and communication to name just a few, are increasingly in demand in the context of rapidly changing societies and labour markets.

the student becomes the main character, since the knowledge will be chosen and transmitted based on the information and motivation demonstrated by the student.

Be responsible; greater involvement and dedication in their learning processes.