In my view a
developed infrastructure of an institution is a way to maintain a high morale
and gain popularity in the public. Initially, the major challenge that my
institution faced was lack of sufficient classrooms, lavatories, science labs, games
and sports equipment, musical instruments and computers. We realised that for
conducive learning environment such fundamental facilities were very important.
There was a need to expand the children’s learning horizons in order to attain
meaningful learning outcomes. So we made various changes to the extent that we
even made two blocks: senior and junior blocks with new buildings and more
facilities.
To my mind the
amalgamation of both physical and cultural environment are equally important in
transcending and enhancing the learning capacities and creativity in students
respectively. The cultural space through various programs and interactions can
be an innovative tool for them. Sometimes students can also invent and explore
their own learning space in terms of use of technology proving that they can be
makers of themselves. In this context Graham Attwal (2007) asserts that a
learner does not only learn by single learning provider but also can learn by
providing himself with a wide range of learning materials. This can be taken as
an example of virtual learning environment where we can figure out the
learner’s outlet of mind through the use of computer, mobile and so forth. Similarly,
Johannesen, Erstad and Habib (2012) consider virtual learning environment as
strengthening teaching practice through entanglement of social and material in everyday
life.
From another
perspective, role of students can be an influencing factor in bringing long
term improvements in physical learning space. Their voice can exert a rigorous
effect in designing and planning of school environment such as construction of
buildings and implementation of a number of facilities in schools. Furthermore,
the power of student’s feelings and imagination for better improvement in
school environment was implemented in Blisher’s 1967 book, The School That I’d Like
and recently updated in Burke and Grosvenor’s (2003) book (Flutter, 2006).
Finally I foresee
my institution grow higher if the idea of physical learning environment in
conjunction with virtual learning environment and standard student survey
methodology is embraced strictly.
References
Attwell, Graham (2007).
The Personal Learning Environment- the future of eLearning? eLearning Papers, Vol. 2 no. 1. ISSN
1887- 1542.
Flutter, Julia (2006).
This place could help you learn: student participation in creating better
school environments, Educational Review, 58:2, 183- 193, DOI:
10.1080/00131910600584116.
Johannesen, M., Erstad,
O., & Habib, L (2012). Virtual learning environments as sociomaterial
agents in the network of teaching practice. http//dx.doi.org.www.proxy
o.library.unsw.edu.au / 10.1016/j. compedu.
Interesting comment on the physical and cultural aspects of the learning environment. Whilst I assumed I had considered a cultural aspect to the space I have re thought this part. Whilst there is plenty of literature available attesting to the direct impact on learning because of the physical environment Skold (2012) describes how the physical space, for example poor ventilation and lighting, has impacted learning, there is not so much describing cultural influences.
ReplyDeleteYes, Amanda, you are right. Narratives concerning cultural space are less available with compare to physical learning space. I reckon this could be a good topic for discussion in the days to come. Thanks for your review.
Delete"[The] role of students can be an influencing factor in bringing long term improvements in physical learning space." I like this idea. Very often the students are not consulted by the adults as the adults are perceived to know what's best for the students. I recall in one of of our schools, students were given a free hand at painting and decorating their classrooms. As a result, they had a sense of ownership in their physical learning space. Thanks for this. Jason
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