The learning environment is one of the key factors that influences good academic performance in students. School founders must ensure that the school’s location is well-researched and supports learning. A suitable location makes learning fun and adventurous. Adventurous in the sense that you are always eager to go to school because the learning environment is endearing. Some years ago, I taught at a school in Ibadan, one of the state’s best locations (peaceful and serene). I am always happy when going to work. If I can feel such a way, how much more are my students?
As a Nigerian who has traveled to some states in the country and observed the locations of some primary and secondary schools, I can say that some of these locations do not support learning. Some of the schools are located close to marketplaces where noise is inevitable. A noisy environment will create distractions for students. When a student is distracted, the attention rate will be low. Learning takes a long time, so when distracted, the brain stores information in a less helpful way. Also, when distracted, the student’s brain will be alternating between what is happening in the class and outside, thus creating brain fatigue.
The safer the place of learning is, the better the students will be at peace. A student cannot think that something unpleasant might happen at any time in or around the school and be mentally alert to what he/she is being taught. The state of mind affects learning. Depression has been identified as a symptom students experience when their learning environment is not safe. A location that is not secure can’t allow learning to take place.
Furthermore, schools should be located where there is road accessibility. This means there should be a level of ease in reaching one’s school. Research has shown that children who spend longer in school tend to have poorer learning outcomes, including lower reading and writing abilities in the English language. Students tend to miss class hours when schools are too far, or the road leading to the place is not good. This, in turn, will affect performance in class.
Finally, the students’ health must be a priority for school owners. Schools in an unhealthy environment, i.e., a dirty environment, can expose students to various kinds of sickness. Students falling sick now and then will have difficulty learning. The effect of this kind of environment is increased absenteeism, dropout, poor retention, and poor grades.
