Effects of Learning Environment to the Academic Performance of

ABM Students

A Research Paper

Submitted to Sr. Reyes Ervin

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for Inquiries Investigation and

Immersion

Submitted by:

Ericka Mher Isleta

Trisha Nicole Manlangit

Reine Ashley Matienzo

Mylene Sulibet

Niko Ed Suiza

ABM 12 GOZON

November, 2019
 CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Learning environment is regarded a core component of powerful and fruitful

instructional process. Effective and inspiring classroom management starts with

efficient and effective lesson planning and assists an educator to instruct and learners

to learn. Learners achieve excellently in an encouraged and stimulated classroom

environment and feel protected and contented. With students perspective, powerful

and fruitful classroom management gives students chances to mingle while picking up

interesting and stimulating content. From an educator perspective, compelling

classroom management includes precautionary, discipline and intriguing education

(Lang & Hebert, 1995). To make sure a positive classroom condition, it ought to be

well-equipped with facilities. Classroom physical course of action gives students

powerful learning and advances effective instructional process. Provision of physical

facilities may be ensured because these are useful in enhancing the general school’s

performance (Suleman & Hussain, 2014).

Effective teaching and effective students learning have been a central focus of

classroom environment in current educational situation. Since classroom environment

of today is very not the same as the classroom from 10 years prior. The students and

the issues are different yet numerous classrooms are still administered by the

strategies utilized numerous years back. Classroom needs supportive learning

environment that contributes to student’s achievement and in the classroom disruptive

behaviour can be prevented. Classroom needs proper facilities that contribute to

teaching and learning. According to Directorate of Staff Development DSD (2007)

41% classes from primary to higher secondary schools level are running without

classrooms and 28% have complete boundary wall at same level. In addition to that,

49% students are without furniture and 36% teachers have no furniture in schools. In

this situation, students sit on the ground under the sky or under the shady trees and

teachers are unable to maintain the learning environment. So, the achievement of the

students remains low and disruptive behaviour maximize (Waseer, 2008).

Background of the Study

This study Effects of Learning Environment to the Academic Performance of

ABM students was carried out in Plaridel Integrated National High school. This study

takes a critical look to how or what are the effects of learning environment to the

academic performance of grade 11 and grade 12 students of ABM respectively.

It is a fact that learning environment really influence or affect the performance

of students for example, the quality of the school building has the direct impact on

students performance, students performed better academically in better building.

We have various school environments, these are the political, social, economic,

religious, and the teaching learning environment.

The Political Environment- This is the government body of the school.

The Social Environment- This is the culture institution and networks of individual or

group in school.

The Economic Environment- This is the totality of economic factors such us

employment, income, inflation, interest rate, productivity and wealth that

influences the buying behaviour of customers in school.

The Religious Environment- This is made up of various denominations in the school

environment today.

The Teaching Learning Environment- This is the classroom situation where the

students and teacher interact with each other.

Theoretical Framework

The learning environment theories focus on different constructs within the

educational system that include the student, society, and the content being taught.

These theories flow from the psychological theories of learning, which include

cognitive theories, social cognitive theories, and instructional system design theories

(Bertrand, 2003).

One of these theories is social cognitive theory. This asks students to be

conscious of the social and cultural interactions that occur during their educational

experience. Social cognitive theory focuses on teaching and learning through various

forms of social interaction, which has the potential for being highly affective even in

the most traditional teaching environments—it must be experiential and affective or

learning would not occur. Social cognitive approaches imply social interaction–

connection–awareness of social and cultural similarities and differences.

This theory is similar to the research study because it focuses the learning

environment of every students. Learning environment refers to the diverse physical

locations, contexts and cultures. Since learners must do the learning, the aim is to

create a total environment for learning that optimises the ability of students to learn.
Statement of the Problem

This research aims to investigate the effects of learning environment to the

academic performance of ABM students.

Specifically, it aims to answer the following question.

1. The profile of the students in terms of:

a) Name (optional) c) Year level e) general average

b) Age d) Gender

2. Effects of learning environment to the academic performance of ABM students.

3. How the learning environment affect their grades or studies?

4. What students should do to not affect their grades?

Significance of the Study

This study is significant for the ABM students in Plaridel Integrated National

High School because through this research study it will explain what is truly the effect

of learning environment to their academic performance.

This study can also give more knowledge to the ABM students of what is

learning environment and its relationship to the academic performance of every ABM

students in Plaridel Integrated National High School.

Scope and Delimitation

This study focused towards the Effect of Learning Environment to the Academic

Performance of ABM Students. It will distinguish and describe of what is learning

environment and it also explain how learning environment affects the everyday lives

in school of ABM students.

This study is conducted in Plaridel Integrated National High School in Brgy.

Banago Nagcarlan, Laguna. The researchers chose at least 30 respondents to

conduct this research study.

Definition of Terms

Learning Environment- The learning environment can refer to an educational

approach, cultural context, or physical setting in which teaching and learning occur.

Academic Performance- The academic performance is defined by students'

reporting of past semester CGPA/GPA and their expected GPA for the current

semester.

Student- Scholar, learner especially. One who attends a school. One who studies.

Study- the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic

subject, especially by means of books.

Educator- a person who provides instruction or education

Education- Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of

knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits

The Political Environment- This is the government body of the school

The Social Environment- This is the culture institution and networks of individual or

group in school

The Economic Environment- This is the totality of economic factors such us

employment, income, inflation, interest rate, productivity and wealth that influences

the buying behaviour of customers in school.

The Religious Environment- This is made up of various denominations in the school

environment today

The Teaching Learning Environment- This is the classroom situation where the

students and teacher interact with each other.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents relevant discussion about the different effects of learning

environment to the behaviour or performance of students. This also discuss the

different environmental factors which are the classroom environment, natural

surroundings, social environment and learning, physical environment and learning,

and school environment and learning. They were taken from related studies.

According to Jones & Jones (1995) learning environment is a critical

determinant of whether learning can happen in any classroom. Successful

interpersonal abilities are the establishment for good classroom administration.

Minding interpersonal collaborations are basic in meeting such critical individual

needs as wellbeing and security, belongingness, and self-regard.

Smith (2003) explains that positive classroom learning situations are ones that

boost learning for all learning and cultivate their improvement as all-encompassing

creatures by considering scholarly, enthusiastic, social and physical development. A

positive learning environment is thoughtful and responsive. It is created and balanced

after some time with reason, with concentrate on the wanted result of guaranteeing

that all learners have entry to world-class instruction. It is a place in which we

comprehend and execute educational modules utilizing instructional procedures that

address the issues of our learners and reflection on results illuminate future practices.

This environment is reflected in well-managed classroom and it is expected to

comprehend the classroom administration.

 Classroom internal temperature and ventilation are vital elements influencing

classroom learning condition. Classroom excessively cold or excessively hot

adversely influences learners' achievement and attentiveness as they feel painful. As

per Halstead (1974), it is by and large acknowledged that high temperature and

moistness makes physiological and mental issues which assist weakness, apply much

endeavours and causes to commit more errors and blunders. The classroom

atmosphere may be mindfully overseen to give physical comfort as well as to support

as a constructive component in the learning by invigorating mindfulness and

attentiveness. To keep up such an atmosphere, the environment must be dealt with

the same time cleanliness, controlled temperature, and humidity.

Earthman (2004) expressed that warming and air quality are the principal

components regarding instructive achievement of learners.

Phillips (1992) noticed that illumination is a standout amongst the most vital

classroom quality. He additionally expressed that visual condition can influence the

capacity of learners to see visual stimuli and furthermore influence their

psychological demeanour. Thusly their scholastic execution is influenced adversely.

Culp (2006) noted that achievement may be guaranteed by utilizing visual

presentations in classroom. As indicated by Winter Bottom & Wilkins (2009), there are

various parts of lighting to be remembered while considering this environmental

characteristic for classroom. Classroom illumination comprises of imperceptible light,

enlightenment at a learner's desk, lighting from projection screens and windows.

Unfitting illumination adversely influences scholarly accomplishment and develops

discomfort and deterrent for learners in the classroom.

Effective furniture’s arrangement plays a fundamental and significant role in

classroom functionalities. Furniture is placed orderly with the expectation that learners

may satisfy and they might be changed in accordance with the principal sources or

diverse wellsprings of information e.g., the educator, instructional materials, although

in the meantime possessing openness to different sources or the exercises e.g., work

areas, PCs without making unsettling influence in the classroom (Nitsaisook &

Anderson, 1989). Desk arrangement can influence learners' accomplishment and

consideration (Higgins et al., 2005). A learner is fittingly placed in the classroom if

he/she possess an unmistakable perspective of the teacher, given appropriate writing

work surface and a place for book stockpiling, is sensibly agreeable and is situated to

the point that learners moving to and from neighboring seats will not bother him

(Halstead, 1974). Patton et al. (2001) found that larger part (94%) of the K-3

instructors utilize a semicircle or cluster to arrange the work areas in their classrooms.

The educators reacted that arrangement of work areas in cluster has a few focal points

i.e., empowering cooperative learning, creating a feeling of class community and best

utilization of the space. Effective desk arrangement provides chances to students to

be actively involved in learning process and makes the chance to work supportively

with their partners.

Environmental Factors Affecting the Academic Performance

The influence of environment begins since the time of conception of the child

in the womb of the mother. Fetus in the womb is influenced by mother’s mental,
physical and environmental conditions. The external condition starts from the time of

birth of the child. This external condition refers to the surrounding which prevails in

the home, school and locality. At these places the child interacts with other members

of the family, teachers, classmates or peers and neighbors’. He or she establishes

relationship with them. Some of the environmental factors are as discussed below:

Classroom Environment

The study of classroom environment is of great significance as learning is the

outcome of this environment. As an agent of intellectual stimulation, conducive

classroom environment is an important factor in strengthening the child’s level of

education. This leads to considerable significance to the study of critical issues of

classroom teaching. The method of dealing with the class, curricular subjects and the

behaviour of the teachers are some of the factors which make the classroom

environment favorable or unfavorable, as gratifying or discouraging to the pupil.

The kind of academic climate in school and among pupils promotes either a positive

or a negative attitude towards their work at school. The negative attitudes are bound

to have a strong influence on their academic performance and manifest themselves

in undesirable behaviour such as inattentiveness and truancy which in turn further

affects their academic achievements. Academic achievement is dependent on school

learning environment as well as home learning environment (Upadhyay 1983).

According to Najike (2002) in his study in Papua, New Guinea, school

environment plays an important role in the academic achievement of school children.

The success or failure of school children greatly depends on the quality of classroom

environment and social climate.

Bradley et al (1988) studied home environment and found out that there was

significant correlation between home environment and the children’s achievement,

test scores and their classroom behaviour.

According to Shah and Shamah (1984) in their study on the effects of family

climate of pupils’ academic achievement, revealed that highly significant and positive

relationship existed between the variables, family climate and academic achievement.

Natural Surroundings

Natural surroundings covers the climatic conditions for a limited time, humidity

and high temperatures can be tolerated but prolonged humidity and high temperatures

become unbearable. They decrease mental efficiency. The intellectual productivity

and creativeness of the people living in hot regions are much low. Social surrounding

includes especially the environment of home, school and locality. Learning is affected

by physical conditions at home such as large family, small family, insufficient

ventilation, improper lighting, uncomfortable temperature, noisy home environment

due to use of radios, television etc. the social emotional factors such as child rearing

practices, rewards and punishment, scope for freedom in activities and decision

making, play and study facilities. Disorganization and discord among birth positions

such as eldest or youngest child has his definite influence on learning (Hall, R 1982).

A healthy peer group also plays an important role in learning. Pupil- pupil

relationships in the classroom, school, society etcetera create a particular type of

emotional climate. The climate solely depends on their relationships. A sound

relationship provides a tension free environment to the pupils enabling him or her to

learn more and compete in class. If the relationship among peers is not good it affects

their learning ( Hall, R 1982).

Social Environment and Learning

There are some cultural demands and social expectations that also influence

learning display. That is the spirit of culture which is reflected in its social and

educational institutions. For instance in industrialized culture, the emphasis mostly

centers mechanical sciences and preparing children for highly mechanized vocations.

Relationship with teachers, parents and peers can be explained under the set-up of

learning is an important constituent in the instructional process. The way a teacher

teaches and manages the pupils has an effect on the learning. The democratic

environment leads pupils to constructive and cooperative behavior. Generally pupils

learn better in a democratic set up because they like democratic procedures (Hall, R

1982).

Physical Environment and Learning

Our environment is our habitation in the fullest sense. Not only our physical

surrounding but also the people around our social customs and traditions, cultures,

education and training constitute our environment. A number of studies conducted

show that environment has remarkable influence on the learning of an individual. The

physical environment of school presents an educative atmosphere. The modern

school site, buildings and equipment are adequate and attractive. However this is not
the case in my area of study which is Kaiti division in Makueni County, where many

schools are lacking the basic necessities. It is only in the best environmental setting

that the most effective learning takes place. The improvement of the environment no

doubt lies in the hands of the teachers. The teachers can suggest about lighting

environment in the classroom, as defective lighting, poor ventilation, arrangements

and crowded environment lead to overheated conditions which reduce working

capacity and encourage the spread of respiratory infection (Hall, R 1982).

It is well known fact that individuals work better in a room with an attractive

atmosphere. A teacher cannot completely recondition a dull dilapidated room yet a

better planning and efforts can work wonders in the improvement of its condition.

Actually it all depends on the up keep of the room. Careless disorder of the room,

waste papers on the floor and the untidy storage space, book shelves, teachers tables

and pupils desk definitely give a shabby look to a room. Thus the room should be

attractively decorated. Neatness, cleanliness, orderliness and suitable decorations

in a room will encourage pupils to take pride in their room and should largely eliminate

scrubbing on the walls and desks. This will prove to be a boosting environment for

learning(Hall, R 1982)

Environment in an education setting refers to the atmosphere, tone, ambience

setting. Consequently studies in the field of classroom environment focused on

psychological behavior of human mind.

(Dorman 2008) states that successful teachers monitor the behavior in the

classroom. They make each pupil responsible for some work during the learning
activity and then monitor to see that it was actually accomplished. The teachers are

strong pupils motivation,

(Wood 2000). The inside classroom environment is concerned with the

feelings, experience and perception of the pupils. (Dunn and Harries, 1998) pupils

achievement is interdependent on psycho-social interaction that happens in the

classroom. These interactions that happen sometimes make a difference with

reference to pupils achievement and their academic goals ( McRobbie et al,1997).

With the growing trend and focus on the field of classroom learning

environment it becomes a rich area of interest for the researches. The availability of

instrument made it easier and possible to investigate into learning environment in

specific context. The pupils-teacher interaction and relationship were investigated and

perceived in different context indicating interesting results (Frases, 1998).

Limo (1993) conducted a study in secondary school environment which

attempted to compare different types of learning environment and educational

streams.

Koo and Frazer (1997) explored the learning environment in adult’s education

computer education in secondary and primary classes. The whole process of teaching

and learning contributed towards the psychological social dimensions of the

classroom environment. However various scholars have specifically focused on

school location, classroom ventilation, poor lighting and inconsistent temperature as

factors that affect pupils health, behavior, and achievement (Crandell and Smaldino

2000; Tanner,2000; Davis, 2000; Johnson 2000;Moore 2000 and Strichers 2000).
School Environment and Learning

According to Yarrow, A, Millerwaters, J and Frases, J.B. (1997), school

environment is of paramount importance to promote learning process. This type of

atmosphere prevailing in the school is a perpetual inspiration for the children to learn

more and more. The reason is that the child receives an intellectual type of frame of

mind from the academic atmosphere and that type can be created by providing a

separate room for the study, by providing books and journals and discussions.

Classroom environment is the total of all the social, emotional, mental and physical

factors that makes overall contribution to the total teaching learning process within the

classroom. A democratic classroom might be one that gives more sense of freedom

and large degree of permissiveness to foster healthy teacher pupil relationship and

where pupils are allowed to work independently. On the other hand, an autocratic

environment may be described as controlled by the teacher in which teacher decides

the goal and the learning activities to be taught. The pupils do not participate in the

selection of learning activities.

Yarrow, A, Millerwaters, J and Frases, J.B. (1997) conducted a study by

administering college and university classroom environment inventory (CUCEI) to

improve the classroom learning climate of pre service secondary teachers ultimately

of the pupils. In another study pupils viewed their actual environment less favorable

than the preferred environment.

The school environment which includes the classrooms, libraries, workshops,

teacher quality, school management, teaching methods, peers and many other
variable, that affect pupil’s academic achievement (Ajayi 2001 and Oluchukwu 2000).

Hence the school environment remains an important area that should be studied and

well managed to enhance pupil’s academic performance.

 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methodologies used in the study. This includes the

research design, research environment, respondents, research instruments, data

gathering procedure and analytical framework.

Research Design

The researchers used the descriptive case study method of research by doing

interviews to conduct this study. It is a qualitative research that focuses on establishing

the effects of learning environment to the academic performance of Abm students.

The research design distinguish the procedures by which the study population

will be selected, how these date will be analyzed, how the data will be collected and

how these subjects will be used to give the required data. The finding will be based

on the idea of the ABM students.

Research Environment

This study was conducted in the Plaridel Integration National High School in

Brgy. Banago Nagcarlan, Laguna. It was chosen by the researchers because it is the

most appropriate environment to conduct the study.

The ABM students which identified for study could best represent their idea in

the topic. The reseachers believed that the ABM students will truly give important

information as they have the knowledge and ability to answer the questions.
Respondents

The respondents of this study Effects of Learning Environment to the Academic

Performance gather from student of ABM in Plaridel Integrated National High School.

The researchers choose 30 students, 15 are Grade 11 Abm students and 15 are

Grade 12 Abm students. This students were chose because they are the most reliable

for conducting this study.

Sampling Procedure

In this research, the researcher chose to used the Purposive Sampling

Procedure. The researchers believed that this procedure will truly help them to

conduct their study. In this procedure the researcher chooses the sample based on

who he/she thinks would be appropriate for the study. The main objective of purposive

sampling is to arrive as at sample that can adequately answer the research objectives.

Wherein, the researcher ask some questions to the respondents and they will answer

it respectively.

Research Instrument

An interview was prepared by the researcher to gathered data on the Effects

of Learning environment as their experience it in their Academic performance as ABM

students.

The interview is an example of research instrument that is in a sense of oral

questionnaire that instead of writing the response, the interviewee gives the needed

information orally and face-to-face.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers of the study followed some procedures in order to conduct this

study.

First, they prepared a questionnaire that will used in the interview that contains

all the variables include in their statement of the problem. The researcher presented

it to their adviser to check it if there is needed to correct or change.

Next, the researcher get an approval letter to their teacher before an interview

to the respondents. The approval letter is used as a request letter of permission to

conduct a survey or interview.

Lastly, the researcher will interview the respondents, and the interviewee will

answer it orally and face-to-face. Permission was also sought to take some pictures

while conducting an interview.

Analytical Framework

In this research, the researcher used the in-depth interviews. Were it involves

direct, one-on-one engagement with individual participants.

In- Depth interview is a qualitative research technique which is used to conduct

intensive individual interviews where numbers of respondents are less and research

is focused on a specific product, technique, situation or objective.