IMPACT OF CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT ON LEARNERS' LEARNING AT SECONDARY LEVEL

Abstract

Often the classroom environment is considered the biggest factor amongst the others that can change the way a student gains and the level of learning Still in Pakistan secondary schools it is one of the least neglected and underutilized factor. In this research, the authors have discussed the influence of classroom environment (physical and psychosocial) on the academic performance of students in grades 9-12. First of all, a quantitative research design has been used and data were obtained from 150 school students through structured questionnaire which was based on the Classroom Learning Environment Scale (CLES). Recent exam scores of the students were used as a measure of their academic performance. Calculation of Pearson correlation and simple linear regression was done by using SPSS. Results have shown a very strong and significant positive relationship between the quality of classroom environment and student academic outcomes (r = 0.67, p < 0.01). Both physical factors e.g. seating arrangement lighting ventilation, noise levels as well as psychosocial factors like teacher-student interaction and peer relationships have been found to contribute Really to academic achievements. This paper calls for years of experience, and evidence-based policy research and development to enhance the physical facilities and quality of interpersonal relations in secondary school classrooms in Pakistan