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How The Classroom Environment Can Help Improve Behavior

by Guy Hudson on August 23, 2022

The classroom environment has a profound effect on students' study habits, motivation, and behaviour. The classroom is where they spend most of their time when they're at school. It's important to remember that if the learning environment is not encouraging, your students will struggle with their work and might even lose interest in learning.

 

Students can have such a great impact on teachers and staff members. That is why it is important to ensure they have the best experience possible in the classroom. The classroom environment can greatly impact whether or not students retain the information they need to practice their lessons.

It is also important for students to feel safe and accepted in their environment. If a student does not feel as if they belong in their classroom, then there is a chance that they will start engaging in negative behaviours. These behaviours could lead to losing ownership of their work, disinterest in the subject matter being taught, and much more.

If you want to know how the classroom can affect student behaviour and help them improve it, then continue reading.

Importance of Classroom Environment to Students' Behaviour

The classroom environment is one of the key elements in the learning process. It can influence the students' behaviour and help them learn better. The classroom environment, which can include factors such as the physical layout of the classroom, amount of noise, and distractions present in the room, can all affect a student's classroom behaviour.


Creating a positive classroom environment for students is important because it directly impacts all aspects of student life, including their academic performance and social interactions with classmates and teachers. A positive classroom environment promotes better self-esteem among children, which leads to higher academic achievement.

According to the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments, a positive school environment is critically related to school success as it can improve attendance, achievement, retention, and even graduation rates.

In another study, it was investigated that teachers' perceptions about learning environment factors can facilitate students' outcomes. This means that "teachers' perceptions of their classroom environments are related to how well they teach" and, in a positive atmosphere, tend to be better instructors than those who do not. 

Additionally, a positive school environment has been linked with decreases in substance abuse, teenage pregnancies, and dropping out of school. Overall, it is clear that the classroom environment is an important factor in determining and shaping students' behaviour both inside and outside of the classroom.

The Different Types of Classroom Environments

There are a few different types of classroom environments. Some classrooms are more traditional, while others are more project-based. There is no wrong or right way to set up your classroom environment; it all depends on what works best for you and your students.


However, it can be helpful to understand the different types of classroom environments so that you can choose the one that is best suited for your teaching style and needs. We will explore three common types of classroom environments so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Developmental Environment

This type of classroom is often found in preschools and kindergartens. It teaches children how to interact with others and their surroundings. The teacher has a nurturing role in this type of classroom, as they are teaching the students the basic skills needed for social interaction.

A developmental environment is also where the teacher focuses on helping students learn and grow. It is an environment that fosters creativity and encourages students to question, explore, and experiment with their surroundings and with their own ideas. This type of classroom encourages students to think critically about what they are being taught or how it relates to them personally.

Competitive Environment

This type of classroom is often found in middle or high school classrooms for students who are struggling academically or socially. Teachers will often encourage competition among students as a way to motivate them to do better academically and socially. Students who succeed in this type of classroom tend to excel outside of it as well.

A competitive environment is one where the emphasis is on winning or being superior over others. This type of classroom environment is more common in older children who have already developed their social skills but still need help learning how to apply them effectively when it comes time for schoolwork or exams.

Collaborative Environment

This type of environment can be found in high school or college classrooms where students are working on group projects together. This environment focuses on teamwork and collaboration among students so that they can work together efficiently toward a common goal. 

This type of environment helps students develop interpersonal skills and learn how to work with others. Collaborative classrooms often lead to higher levels of engagement among students because everyone has an equal stake in seeing their project succeed!

How The Classroom Environment Affects Student Behaviour

Studies have shown that students are more likely to behave constructively when the environment is supportive and positive. Conversely, when the environment is negative or hostile, it can often lead to disruptive behaviour.


Therefore, it is important for teachers to create a nurturing and positive learning space for their students. By doing so, they can help foster positive relationships and encourage productive learning behaviours. Some potential effects of classroom environment on student learning and behaviour include:

  • They feel safe and secure. 
  • The classroom should be a place where students feel comfortable expressing themselves, whether it's verbally or through actions like raising their hand to answer a question or participating in class discussions. Students who feel safe are more likely to participate actively in class discussions and ask questions when they don't understand something being taught.

  • They feel connected to teachers and classmates. 
  • Students who feel connected to their teachers are more likely to behave well in the classroom, as well as being more engaged in learning and feeling like they have a purpose at school. Students who have strong relationships with their classmates are also more likely to behave well in class because they want them to be friends with them.

  • They inspire students to do their best. 
  • A positive classroom environment rewards hard work by encouraging students to do their best, whether through recognition at an awards ceremony or just by giving them extra attention when needed. This kind of encouragement impacts student motivation because it helps them believe that doing well is important—and that they have what it takes!

    The Best Way To Create A Positive Classroom Environment

    Creating a classroom environment that promotes positive behavior starts with the teacher, who is responsible for creating an environment that allows students to thrive. Creating this type of environment is not easy, but with some planning and consistent effort, it can be achieved.


    We'll focus on what you can do to create a positive classroom environment that promotes positive behavior and helps students learn more effectively. By following these steps, teachers can create an environment where students feel comfortable learning without being distracted by negative influences around them.

    Create A Clear Set Of Rules And Expectations 

    Every day, remind your students what they need to do to be successful in your class. This will help them know exactly what they should do if they want to succeed in your class or on any assignment that you assign them.

    This is essential for any classroom but even more important for a positive one. You want your students to know what's expected of them before they come into your class, which means having clear expectations about what you'll do together and what they should do individually.

    Use Positive Reinforcement To Encourage Positive Behavior

    When students are doing well in class or on assignments, make sure that you reward them with praise or an extra credit opportunity so that they continue doing well! This will encourage them to keep up their good work while also helping you build a relationship with each student for them to feel more comfortable coming up with new ideas.

    Giving your students opportunities to earn rewards, like extra time on tests or completing homework early, is also important. By following through consistently with these types of rewards, they'll learn that being good will help them be successful in your class!

    Follow Through On Consequences

    There's a lot to be said about following through with consequences. If you make a rule that students are not allowed to use cellphones in class, make sure you follow up with them if they do so. Not only will this show your students that you mean what you say, but it will also help them feel safe and secure in your classroom environment.

    If your student gets sent to the office for misbehaving, make sure that they have some sort of consequence there as well. If they don't have time off school grounds, ensure they have extra work or chores at home. This will show them that you're serious about what you say and will also help them learn more appropriate behaviors.


    Show Your Students That You Care About Their Interests

    Teachers often assume they know what interests their students, but this isn't always true. To create a positive classroom environment, you must show your students that their interests matter by asking them questions about what they like and how they feel about what you're teaching them.

    This will encourage them to participate in class discussions and help them feel more comfortable speaking up when they need help with something difficult or confusing. You should also be aware of what interests your students, in terms of sports or hobbies. It would help if you tried to incorporate these things into your lessons whenever possible.

    Be Even-Tempered And Fair When Dealing With Discipline Problems

    Another way to create a positive classroom environment is by being even-tempered and fair when dealing with discipline problems. If one student is acting out in class, you should talk with them privately rather than scold them in front of their peers. 

    This will help prevent other students from behaving badly as well because they will see that you are treating everyone equally regardless of whether they are good or bad at following rules or not. If you do not discipline in an even-handed manner, this can also cause students to resent their classmates who are not disciplined as harshly as them. 

    Give The Kids A Break When They Need One

    We all know that school can be stressful, but this is especially true for young children who are just beginning to learn how to manage their emotions. If you notice your students getting frustrated or upset, give them time to calm down before starting the lesson again.

    You might think that if your students are misbehaving all day long, you should keep them busy with extra work or other tasks. But in fact, this will only make matters worse. Instead, give them plenty of breaks throughout the day to let off some steam and refocus on their work. This will also help you avoid burnout—you may find yourself feeling less stressed out as well!

    Remain Calm And Confident Even When Things Are Going Wrong

    It's easy to get frustrated with students when they don't understand something or act out in class. But if you want your classroom environment to be positive, then you need to remain calm and confident even when things aren't going according to plan. If you show any signs of stress or frustration, then it will only cause problems for everyone involved.

    Students also need to see their teachers as leaders who can handle tough situations with grace and poise, even when things aren't going well. That means never yelling at them, never giving up on them, and always maintaining eye contact, so they know you mean business.

    Conclusion

    It is important for educators to consider the classroom environment as a factor in helping students improve their behaviour. When teachers, parents, and administrators work together to create an environment that is focused on learning, students will be more engaged in their classroom experience. By ensuring that all students feel welcome, respected, and safe in class, educators can help create an environment where all students can thrive.

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