Learning environments: definition, types and characteristics

Do you think we can learn anywhere? Or that certain “minimums” are necessary to be able to learn? This is what learning environments are about: spaces, scenarios where learning takes place.

Places (physical or virtual) where someone teaches, and another learns. These types of environments go beyond the classic classrooms (that too), and also focus on digital, informal environments…

But what exactly are learning environments? What characteristics do they have and what types exist?

Learning environments: what are they?

Learning environments are defined as scenarios where it is possible to develop a teaching-learning process. They are built with two main objectives: to promote organized learning situations and to create an ideal environment so that students can establish a relationship with the teacher.

How is it possible to promote organized learning? Through three key elements: teaching resources or material, management of student-teacher interactions and management of teaching time.

The primary function of learning environments is to promote meaningful learning.that is, ensuring that the content taught is apprehended or acquired efficiently.

Characteristics

What should be taken into account when creating a learning environment? What characteristics do these spaces have? We are talking about 4 elements or aspects to take into account that are essential:

1. Knowledge

When a teaching-learning process occurs, knowledge is being acquired (or at least, imparted).

Knowledge is the basis of learning, whatever type it is. Knowledge can be of all types, and include academic aspects, but also informal aspects (such as life experience).

2. Materials

The materials that are used to promote this teaching-learning process also matter. By materials we understand: activities, readings, exercises, exams, virtual classes, in-person classes…

3. Organization of space

Another element to take into account when creating learning environments is the organization of space. If this organization is good, it is pleasant, learning will also be.

Let’s talk about the classroom, for example; This, ideally, must have adequate lighting and be well ventilated. It must be organized in such a way that interactions between students and teachers are enhanced.

4. Address learning styles

To teach in an ideal way, the student profile must be known. Let’s not forget that we all learn differently.

Therefore, when it comes to promoting meaningful learning, it will be important to address the learning style of each student. This in public school, with so many students in each class, is not an easy task.

Types of learning environments

Depending on their characteristics, we find up to 4 types of learning environments: physical, virtual, formal and informal.

Physical learning environments

We are talking about the classic classroom, that physical environment surrounding students. It is a space that is usually fixed, with fixed hours.

Allows interaction between students and teacher. It is also known as the classroom context, and encompasses the resources of the educational center, which must be adapted to optimize learning.

Virtual learning environments

Increasingly widespread and used, virtual learning environments are digital environments where learning processes are also developed. It involves learning remotely, at a distance; In them you learn through the use of computers, tablets or mobile, through classes in virtual format.

When we go to virtual classes, physical presence is not necessary; We just have to connect. In this type of environment students benefit from interactive resources and digital.

An advantage of these environments? The greater autonomy that is favored in the student.

Formal learning environments

Formal learning environments are a broader concept, and have to do with institutionalized educational systems and structured.

These environments are made up of public and private schools, which are regulated by state institutions (ministries of education). The ministries are responsible for establishing what educational content will be taught (and what will not) at each stage of schooling (from preschool to university).

Informal learning environments

Finally, informal learning environments, also another very broad concept, They encompass all those spaces where the person learns, beyond school. In these environments, which do not have an official curriculum or a teacher who teaches a series of contents, the person lives experiences, relates to their environment and, ultimately, learns.

Examples of this type of environments? Conversations with a friend, visiting a museum, traveling, attending exhibitions and conferences… even go to the cinema or the theater.

As we have seen, learning environments are spaces, physical or virtual, that allow teaching-learning processes. There are several types of environments, although all of them should share certain characteristics or minimum elements.

Among them: content to be taught (or something to teach, even if it is not protocolized), someone who imparts that content, someone who “receives” it (learns)teaching resources and activities to enable this learning and an adequate organization of the space.

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