We believe a positive learning environment is essential for all learners, whatever their age. Read on to find out what a difference surroundings can make on learning outcomes, and how to create the ideal learning environment.
Pupils learn best in safe, comfortable surroundings
When we feel safe, secure and comfortable (and perhaps a little “hygge” if you’re a fan of the Danish-inspired cosy vibe), you’d be amazed how much more we can learn.
Away from external stresses, distractions, drafts or hard seats, students who have found it difficult to focus can start to engage with learning and make good progress.
While many children thrive in school or college, the environment is less than ideal for others. And it’s not just the physical environment that some find hard to cope with: busy school timetables and problems with friends or peers can make the environment more “misär” than “hygge”.
The impact of bullying
If a learning environment isn’t positive, students’ capacity for learning may be greatly compromised, as well as their wellbeing.
A student won’t be able to concentrate if they feel vulnerable. If their self-esteem is reduced, they’ll also have less confidence and motivation to persevere and overcome challenges. We understand that issues like these are a real worry to parents.
Home-School Tutoring has helped many pupils who have been victims of bullying. With the patient encouragement and understanding of a tutor – and the support of a family – parents can take strength from knowing that children can regain their confidence and get back on track.
‘Sophie’s’ mother was distraught to discover that Sophie was being bullied, and started to see why Sophie’s behaviour had changed at home. When one of our tutors began to tutor Sophie, who was struggling with her schoolwork, the tutor concentrated on re-building Sophie’s self-esteem and confidence with constant encouragement.
Sophie responded well to her personal tuition and, gradually, began to show real progress with her learning. She became more positive, better able to cope, and was able to move on from her difficult experiences.
The effects of peer pressure
Peer pressure and the need to be noticed and popular within a social group also affects a number of pupils.
A student may be at ease with his friends in the classroom but aware that, within his social group, active participation in the classroom is just not cool. Instead, he or she may divert their energies to less constructive behaviour and become disruptive or disinterested.
For many pupils, the opportunity to work one-to-one with an encouraging and supportive private tutor in the safety and security of their own home allows them to fully engage with learning in a way that may never do at school. Here, they can catch up, ask questions, work hard to please the tutor and receive acknowledgement for their efforts (without worrying what their mates may say).
Teachers at school may notice (to their delight) that the pupil is making more progress. And, as learning is enjoyed more, so may their focus and behaviour at school improve.
Learning in the home environment
Our tutors have helped many pupils engage with learning in the comfort of their own home. For many, the home environment is an ideal learning environment, provided they have all the tools they need: the necessary books, workbooks, writing instruments/computer and a comfortable desk and chair in a room with few distractions. It helps if the room is well-lit, uncluttered, and the temperature neither too hot nor too cold.
Margaret Sweetland, Director of Home-School Tutoring UK, says: “Home tutoring enables pupils to learn through student-centred learning, i.e. learning that encourages autonomy of learning and places a student’s individual needs at its core. The tutor positions themselves as a facilitator of learning, rather than a presenter of information.
“In the privacy and safety of their own comfortable home, students can ask as many questions as they like and spend as much time on each topic or skill that they need. Students can really begin to feel that they are making progress and develop a much more positive attitude towards learning, which can have a great effect on their future direction, fulfilment and success.”
Home tutoring for you or your child
Home-School Tutoring’s local Area Advisors are very happy to provide advice to parents interested in home tutoring support for their child and match you with a tutor near you. Please browse our list of locations or enter your postcode in the search box near the top of the page to find the contact details for your local Area Advisor.
Home-School Tutoring is also currently inviting applications from tutors interested in applying to join Home-School Tutoring, as well as individuals interested in running their own tutoring business in their local area.