HOW TO CREATE A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

A positive learning environment is one of the important factors affecting students' creativity and
knowledge acquisition. As a teacher, building positivity in the classroom and student learning
environment is one of the top tasks. There are many ways to build a positive learning environment. Let’s
take a look at these 3 main ways in my opinion.

Firstly, building positive relationships with students and parents is a critical and primary key. This means
getting to know each of your student’s unique personalities including their likes, dislikes, strengths, and
areas of opportunity. It is obvious that children will work harder and do things - even odd things like
adding fractions - for people they love and trust (Nel Nodding, 1988). Positive teacher-student
relationships help students progress further in their learning, fostering their desire to learn from an
adult they see as someone who has worked hard for their success.

Secondly, teachers need to always motivate and inspire students. “Without sufficient motivation, even
individuals with the most remarkable abilities cannot accomplish long-term goals” (Dornyei, 1998,
p.117). There are two great strategies that you can use here: Recognize when students put forth a ton of
effort, even if they don’t show 100% mastery. Sometimes failing is when we learn best, so praising
students’ effort to persevere can help them build the muscle not to give up when facing challenges.
Providing praise for a job that’s well done goes a long way toward building trust and helping students
feel they are cared.

Finally, keeping a positive mindset is an important key to creating a positive learning environment.
Interacting with students in a positive manner, exhibiting positive behaviors, and maintaining a positive
attitude are the most important steps for creating a positive learning environment. Teaching students
how to communicate and interact with each other in a positive manner is also key to fostering a positive
learning environment in the classroom. Positivity is one of the most powerful agents of change for
establishing and maintaining a positive learning environment at school and in the classroom.

Having a positive learning environment in your classroom and at your school will set your students up to
thrive. There are many ways to build a positive learning environment, and in which the teacher-student
relationship, motivation and positive mindset are essential keys.

References:

Benard, B. (1998). How to be a turnaround teacher. Reaching today's youth: The Community Circle of

Caring Journal, 2(3), 31-35.

A, Dailey. (2009). Key Motivational Factors and How Teachers Can Encourage Motivation in their

Students. University of Birmingham.