Reflection 6

A sound foundation?  What we know about the impact of environments on learning and the implications for Building Schools for  the  Future

By Pamela Woolner,  Elaine  Hall*,  Steve Higgins, Caroline McCaughey  and  Kate  Wall

For me, the review of the literature on the impact of physical environment on learning was not convincing in the sense that it did not provide rigorous research findings related to that impact on such aspects as leaner attainment, engagement, attendance, or well-being. Unquestionably, the absence of comfortable furniture, temperature, ventilation, lighting, color, display, and other environmental conditions will affect negatively on the above mentioned learner aspects. However, it is unclear to what extent the presence of all these physical conditions could enhance language learning process.

This reflection reminded me of the article by Krashen who argued for providing access to good libraries, thus enhancing independent reading, as the research showed a positive correlation between enhanced independent reading and high test scores. The suggestion for future schools to make flexible environmental improvements is acceptable but not easily available.