CHAPTER 12: Management of Physical Environment

INTODUCTION
The physical environment of the classroom matters. It is one of the essential factors in the
promotion of effective teaching and learning. To overlook the proper management of the school and
classroom facilities is to deny our students the needed quality learning comfort they deserve. Whether
we like it or not, the physical design of the classroom has some impact on the way our students think
more clearly. This explains why school planning must include the maximum benefits that the students
will gain especially in classroom structuring. This chapter emphasizes the concept of physical
environment, the benefits derived from proper management of physical environment, and an organized
classroom in particular, approaches to facilities management and steps to a more organized class
environment.

Intended Learning Outcome (ILO)

At the end of this chapter, you should be able to develop a structure of an ideal physical
classroom environment.

ENGAGE

Every teacher is challenged to provide a conducive environment that facilitates learning. The
classroom is the center of this learning environment. It is a place where the bulk of teaching-learning
activities take place. The goals and objectives of education are accomplished inside the classroom
through the able leadership of the teacher. Hence, it is just fitting that the classroom must be structured
and designed in order to allow the students to be the best individuals God wanted them to be. But the
task of enhancing the classroom as an effective venue for the learners’ development is not just left in
the institution alone. The teacher must sustain the maintenance of the classroom as this serves as
his/her “little kingdom” to perpetuate the mission of education.
This chapter emphasizes the concept of physical environment, the benefits derived from proper
management of physical environment, and an organized classroom in particular, approaches to facilities
management and steps to a more organized class environment.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

It is not just the building but the facilities consisting of chairs, tables, teaching tools equipment
among others found inside every classroom, the facilities mirrored the taste and purpose of the
institution. If it is meant to depict a more caring learning institution then it should be manifested in the
specific and carefully structured rooms where functionality, convenience, comfort and service are found.

Benefits of Proper Management of Physical Environment in General

While it is true that the teacher has the main hand in making the classroom a conducive place
for learning other personalities come in to the picture like the students and parents. If the former and
the latter dip their hands in the improvement and care of the physical environment, particularly the
classroom, both will reap the fruits of their efforts.

On the students’ part, the conducive learning environment is a plus factor for their search for
the truth and the enhancement of their learning skills. In addition, their skill for maintenance of the
physical surroundings is honed.
 The parents’ financial gain in the proper management of the school environment is the
minimization of the cost of expenses. As regards the teacher’s benefit of a properly managed physical
environment, it is no doubt that he/she will find coordination of the varied activities inside the
classroom easier.

Benefits of an Organized Classroom

It is the wish of every teacher to create his/her model class. It begins from a very simple step of
keeping the room neat, tidy, and organized. Students for sure would hesitate to enter a cluttered
classroom. It creates an impression of the teacher’s lack of concern. But the moment the classroom gets
organized, the rest is joy for the entire class and their teacher for the following reasons.

1. It allows the class to be more inspired and to think in clearer ways.

2. Discarding the wastes inside the classroom will provide more space for novel tools projects and
creations of the students.
3. Stress is minimized for the teacher especially when he/she is in a hurry to locate visual aids
needed for particular lessons. The time spent for looking at the learning materials could be
devoted to working with your students on new projects or just listening to the sharing of the
students.

Approaches to Facilities Management in the Classroom

While it is true that nothing is permanent on earth, the life service of human beings on earth can
be prolonged through proper health management. Applying it in the use of different school facilities,
maintenance is of utmost concern that no institution should overlook. Maintaining the facilities require
the following approaches – (0keke, 2013)

a. Preventive maintenance minimize any breakdown and

guarantees quality performance of the facility.
b. Routine maintenance should be consistently applied
periodically, monthly or even annually, accordingly to the
condition provided by the school management.
c. Emergency repairs as it implies, is a felt need which should
not be delayed when a breakage of the facility occurs or
malfunctioning takes place.
d. Productive maintenance is possible through the use of
computer software which helps in predicting the failure of
tools and equipment.

Suggestions to a More Organized Class Environment

The following suggestions may contain something old and new tips to you. It will stir your
commitment so that realizations will arise and move you to lift a finger in making your classroom a
model one to your students.
1. Provision for a more convenient and accessible place where frequently used classroom tools and
equipment are within easy reach of the students.
2. It is to identify the materials by labeling them so that students can easily spot them when
needed. The students should be reminded that they have to return the materials in each proper
place when done.
3. Discard or share with your colleagues any teaching paraphernalia you have stocked in your
cabinet and have not used within the past two years. Review what were left so that you will
keep only those that matter.
4. Plan pathways through the room to give way for the free and convenient movements of the
students.
5. Plot the seating arrangement that will give provision for the students to have a full view if
teaching-learning presentations. Less movement should be advocated by the teacher to avoid
distractions.
6. It is a must that you have your own locker to keep your personal audio-visual materials intact.
7. Be creative enough to provide a corner in your room to post the personal and academic of your
students. This will reflect the teacher’s interest and concern to his/her students. Anybody who
will enter the room will realized upon staring and examining this students’ personalized space
that this room surely a room of achievers.
8. Do not overlook the needs of your special children if you have any. Is there a provision for their
free and convenient movements in your room?