The Impact of School Environment on Student Learning and Well-being

1. The Impact of School Environment on Student Learning and Well-being Research has repeatedly shown the relationship between the school environment and student learning. Many factors, including classroom design and school culture, influence academics, social-emotional development, and overall well-being. This article discusses the key elements of a positive school environment and how schools can create places that foster student's social emotional learning while promoting a thriving learning community. Physical Setting Physical school settings directly impact the learners' sense of comfort and focus in addition to their health. Some essential features include: 1. Cleanliness and maintenance: A well-designed and maintained educational environment, where cleanliness is of top priority, is vital for students to thrive. 2. Lighting and Ventilation: Sufficient natural lighting and proper ventilation help maintain concentration, reduce fatigue, and promote overall student learning. Poor lighting may result in eye strain and headache, while poor ventilation worsens allergies and respiratory ailments. 3. Temperature and Noise Levels: Temperatures and noise levels must be comfortable and not distracting. Extreme temperatures may cause distraction and discomfort, while excessive noise may prevent the ability to concentrate and communicate. Thereby hampering academic achievement.

2. 4. Safety and Security: An environment free from bullying, harassment, and physical threats is considered safe and secure so that students can feel at ease and focus on their learning. Controlled access and surveillance systems can contribute to a safe environment. 5. Accessibility: Schools should be accessible to all students regardless of physical abilities. Ramps, elevators, and other accessibility features ensure all students can fully develop their social emotional learning. 6. Aesthetics and design: The colours, wall art, landscaping, etc., in the educational institution can impact mood factors and create a friendly and stimulating educational environment. Social Emotional Learning Environment The social and emotional climate of the IGSCE schools Malaysia impacts the well-being and academic achievement ability of students. Important factors include: 1. Positive Relationships: Strong relationships among students, teachers, and staff establish a supportive and nurturing environment. Respectful interactions, open communication, teacher quality and a sense of community are essential. 2. Positive School Culture/Climate: This shares some values, norms, and beliefs that strengthen the bond of respect with every student through inclusiveness; there is a sense of belonging within the school. It creates safety and encourages them to take risks and learn in such environments. 3. Bullying Prevention and Intervention: Effective bullying prevention and intervention programs must be established to support a safe and inclusive environment. Schools must also have supportive teacher quality andexplicit policies and procedures regarding bullying and harassment. 4. Sense of Belonging: It has been established that a sense of belonging leads to better attendance patterns, greater academic achievement, and better well-being of students. Bonding learners with others by forming friendship and mentorship bonds

3. with their community enhances the sense of belonging that a student experiences at the school level. 5. Inclusivity and Diversity: The international school in Malaysia values and respects each child. This inclusivity includes ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and abilities. Impacts of a Positive Educational Environment A positive school environment leads to the following: 1. Academic Performance in the School: Students' grades, attendance, and interest start improving. 2. Increased Social-emotional Development: A positive educational environment promotes social skills, emotional regulation, and empathy. 3. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: It can reduce stress and anxiety because a safe and supportive environment can help improve mental health. 4. Reduced Behavioural Problems: A positive school environment with principled teacher quality would reduce disciplinary problems and behavioural issues. Bottom line Creating a positive educational environment is not merely a desirable goal but a fundamental necessity for fostering well-rounded and successful students. As demonstrated, a school's interplay of physical, social, and emotional factors significantly impacts academic performance and social emotional learning. By prioritising the creation of supportive, inclusive, and nurturing learning spaces, international schools in Malaysia invest in students' future success and well-being, empowering them to reach their full potential.