LA

Module 2 – Week 5: Creating Positive Learning Environments

Importance of the Learning Environment

  • Shapes student mood, behaviour, brain development, and engagement.
  • Signals the value placed on learners to both students and community.
  • Includes both indoor and outdoor spaces; play areas support physical, creative, and authentic learning.

AITSL Standard 4

  • Focus: Create and maintain supportive, safe learning environments.

Components of Positive Learning Environments

  • Physical
  • Social-Emotional
  • Intellectual
  • Temporal

Physical Environment

  • Flexible, modifiable furniture and defined areas.
  • Adequate space, storage, materials, and technology.
  • Attention to lighting, air quality, noise, safety, and student needs.

Social-Emotional Environment

  • Warm, welcoming tone set by teacher & students.
  • Approval, acceptance, positive verbal & non-verbal language.
  • Active listening and respectful communication.

Intellectual Environment

  • Safe for educational risk-taking; tasks are challenging & meaningful.
  • Clear expectations, valued learning, celebrated effort.
  • Avoids destructive competition.

Temporal Environment

  • Negotiated, predictable use of time with student choice.
  • Activities matched to developmental concentration spans.
  • Smooth transitions between tasks.

Characteristics of Conducive Spaces

  • Student-centred, practical, stimulating, age-appropriate.
  • Flexible & responsive to learner interests.
  • Well-planned: clearly defined areas, appealing aesthetics.

Reggio Emilia Philosophy ("Environment as the Third Teacher")

  • Origin: Northern Italy; advanced post-1945 by Loris Malaguzzi.
  • Key principles:
    • Aesthetics & active learning
    • Strong relationships & collaboration
    • Use of light, transparency, nature ("bring the outside in")
    • Flexibility & recognition of the “100 Languages” of children.
  • Now influences schools beyond early childhood (Reggio-inspired settings).

Quick Recall

  • 4 key environment components: Physical, Social-Emotional, Intellectual, Temporal.
  • Central Reggio idea: environment = "third teacher".
  • Aim: maximise engagement and holistic development through thoughtful design.