Although most people can adapt and survive in a variety of conditions, a physical learning environment needs to foster friendliness, hospitality, and feelings of comfort. Places that appear inhospitable often result in people who do not seem to care about each other. Buildings appearing user-friendly are places that reflect people who are hospitable and make sure the environment is pleasing and welcoming. There is a corollary point here. A building cannot be any more hospitable than the people who use it. No matter how well equipped or designed a facility may be, there is no substitute for friendliness and hospitality among users of the facility. In reality, hospitality should be a watchword in all adult learning settings.
A teaching environment that is well tended promotes more active participation in the learning experience. Human creatures, like other creatures, tend to establish territories. Adjustment of things in our personal spaces is another of our interesting habits. We do this to give meaning to our space and to create a sense of comfort or familiarity. Personal space needs and territoriality in instructional settings can be dealt with by making sure that the spaces are not overcrowded and that each adult has adequate space for working and for storing personal items. Further, any barriers that are physical should be dismantled if the teacher wants to convey an atmosphere of collaboration in the learning experience.
As we move increasingly to online or blended learning that combines both physical space connections and online discussions, the learning environment needs to be even more carefully considered. The implications of such changes for how people interact successfully with each other will be the subject of a future essay. For more information on this topic see Where we Learn Shapes our Learning.
