Field Study 1

The Learners
Development and
Environment

EPISODE 1
The School as a
Learning
Environment
My Tools

As you move around the campus, activity forms are provided for you to document your
observations. It is advised that you read the entire worksheet before proceeding to the school
site. A good understanding of the activities and tasks to be accomplished in the activity sheets
will yield better learning results.

SCHOOL FACILITIES CHECKLIST

Familiarize yourself with the different areas and facilities of the school. Check the column to
indicate their availability. Give a brief description of those that are available on the last column.

Facilities
Office of the Principal
Library
Counseling Room
Canteen/Cafeteria

Available

Not Available

Description
The space is small but things are well
organized.
Well ventilated and there are lots of
reading materials available.
The area looks comfortable to stay
discuss matters.
Clean and the foods available are
affordable.
Neatly arranged.

Medical Clinic
Audio Visual Center
Reading Center
Speech Laboratory
Science Laboratory
Gymnasium
Auditorium
Home Economics Room
Industrial Workshop Area
PTA Office
Needs proper maintenance.
Comfort Room for Boys
Needs proper maintenance.
Comfort Room for Girls
Others (Please Specify)

An Observation Guide for the CLASSROOM VISIT

Read the following statements carefully. Then write your observation report on the provided
space.
1. Describe the community or neighborhood where the school is found.
2. Describe the school campus. What colors do you see? What is the condition of the
buildings?
3. Pass by the offices. What impression do you have of these offices?
4. Walk through the school halls, the library, and the cafeteria. Look around and find out the
other facilities that the school has.

Name of the School Observed: North Davao College Tagum Foundation, Inc.
Location of the School: Apokon Road, Tagum City
Date of Visit: August 3, 2016
NDC Tagum Foundation, Inc is located at Apokon Road, Tagum City, the school is
surrounded by different establishments and buildings like sari-sari and convenience stores, food
stalls, computer shops as well as nearby schools and restaurants. Its location is road side where
the primary means of transportation in Tagum which is the motorized tricycle is very accessible.
There are nearby stores where students could easily buy their basic or necessary needs such
as food and school supplies.
The school campus is mostly painted by light colors which are pleasing in the eyes.
The school walls are painted in white adorned with different school bulletins and posters. The
school classrooms are mostly painted in shades of blue. Trees and grasses surrounded the
school in green. The school buildings are mostly air-conditioned, especially the school
laboratories as well as the classrooms. The schools laboratories are commendable because
of its modernization. The different school offices are accessible to the students with competent
and qualified staff and faculty members. The school halls are well organized, there are numbers
of chairs available for students, teachers and visitors. The library is filled with books and other
reading materials with internet access for research activities. The school cafeteria offers not
only delicious foods but healthy as well. There are also available chairs and tables for those who
want to eat and enjoy their food. In summary NDC is a good school where students could enjoy
learning with the privilege to enjoy the schools modernized equipment and facilities.

An Observation Guide for the CLASSROOM VISIT

Be guided by these tasks as you do your observation. Then accomplish the matrix to
record your data.
1. Look at the walls of the classroom. What are posted on the walls? What heroes,
religious figures, lessons, visual aids, announcements, do you see posted?
2. Examine how the pieces of furniture are arranged. Where is the teachers table
located? How are the tables and chairs/desks arranged?
3. What learning materials/equipment are present?
4. Observe the students. How many are occupying one room?
5. Is the room well-lighted and well-ventilated?
CLASSROOM FACILITIES MATRIX

Classroom Facilities

Description
(location, number, arrangement,
condition)

1. Wall Displays

Located on the upper left side of the

classroom. A handwritten proverb
about wisdom.

2. Teachers Table

A brown wooden table, located at the

center of the classroom.

3. Learners Desk

Each of the students has their own

wooden arm chair. Most are of good
quality.

4. Whiteboard/Blackboard

Located at the center of the classroom

right behind the teachers table. Kinda
small.

5. Learning Materials/Visual Aids

No visual aids/learning materials

available for the students.

6. Clock

Located at the back of the classroom.

The clocks size is small.

Write your observation report here.

Name of the School Observed: North Davao College Tagum, Foundation, Inc.
Location of the School: Apokon Road, Tagum City
Date of Visit: August 3, 2016
As for my observation the classroom is well ventilated with two air-conditioned units
available and two electric fans in case of emergency. The classroom has a sliding glass
window. The classroom lacks visual aids and materials which would help the students
learning. The students arm chairs are arranged in rows. The teachers table are right in
front of the students. The teacher uses whiteboard in teaching the lesson. There are no
furniture inside the classroom. There are more or less 15 male and 25 female students.
They are all in their proper uniforms. Some of them are listening well during the class
discussion but others are quiet noisy. It would be better if there are facilities and equipment
available to help the students learning.

My Analysis
How do the school campus and the classroom in particular impact on the learning of the student
going to school? What are your conclusions?

The school campus and classroom has a direct and indirect influence on students learning,
including their engagement in what is being taught, their motivation to learn, and their sense of well-being,
belonging, and personal safety. It would be better if the classrooms are filled with stimulating educational
materials that are conducive in learning. And the school campus as a whole must be a friendly school
environment so that students will be motivated in their studies.

How does this relate to your knowledge of child and adolescent development/
How does this relate to your knowledge of facilitating learning?

A child and adolescent development is a continuous process where biological, psychological and
emotional changes occur between birth and at the end of adolescent. The development changes may be
strongly influenced by genetic factors. Each and every one of us are unique. So as a teacher you would
encounter different kinds of students in the classroom. Providing unique learning experience and allowing
the students to actively participate in the class or to encourage them to work together and seek out an
explanation for themselves are the key in facilitating learning.

My Reflections

1. Would you like to teach in the school environment you just observed? Why? Why not?
Yes, I would like to teach in the school environment I just observed because I can see its
potential as a conducive learning environment where students could feel safe and are equally
respected. Teaching learning materials are at hand and available both for the students and
teachers. The classrooms are well ventilated and spacious enough to cater a good number of
students. And most importantly the school campus as a whole is child friendly where learning is
promoted and can be maximized.
2. What kind of school campus is conducive to learning?
A child friendly campus is conducive to learning and is characterized as inclusive, healthy
and protective for all students. It ensures every student an environment that is physically safe,
emotionally secure and psychologically enabling. Recognizes, encourages and supports
students growing capacities as learners by providing a social culture, teaching behaviors and
curriculum content that are focused on learning and the learner. It also aims to develop a learning
environment in which students are motivated and able to learn. School staff and members are
friendly and welcoming to students and attend to all their health and safety needs.
3. What kind of classroom is conducive to learning?
A classroom that is conducive to learning is clean, orderly and inviting. A place that
encourages students to do their best. Supplies, equipment and resources are easily and readily
accessible to teacher and learner. Establishes and maintains clear standards for individual and
group behavior of students. As well as establishing a classroom with a culture of mutual respect
and understanding among the students. And lastly a proactive and encouraging social
relationships among all students who work and get along with one another to complete tasks is
promoted.
4. In the future, how can you accomplish your answer in number 3?
In the future, I can accomplish my answer in number 3 by being attentive to my students
intellectual, social and emotional needs. By ensuring a healthy, hygienic, and safe learning
environment with adequate facilities and healthy policies and practices. By providing a positive
experiences for the students and encouraging an interactive classroom where students actively
participate in the class.

5. Write your additional learnings and insights here.

Physical and socio-cultural environments affect students learning for better or worse. It is
in the hands of an effective teacher to turn environmental disadvantages into advantages. To
enhance the learning of students, improve the quality of education and produce vibrant minds of
high-level proficiency, what we need today are dedicated and motivated teachers who can
change the course of traditional classroom setup and promote conducive environments of
learning. Teachers attentiveness to the intellectual, social, emotional and physical environments
creates a classroom climate conducive to learning.

My Portfolio
My Personal Illustration of an Effective School Environment