Libertad National High School

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

SURALLAH SOUTH COTABATO

SY. 2023-2024

Introduction

Within the broad field of education, the learning environment is a critical factor in
determining student’s overall wellbeing and academic success. However, amidst the
pursuit for knowledge, an often-overlooked factor is the impact of an uncomfortable
learning environment on the student’s efficiency to learn. Although learning environments
are intended to nurture and promote the student’s growth and development, it can be
very detrimental to students’ ability to flourish when there is discomfort, whether it is
caused by physical, social, or emotional issues.

According to Murugan and Rajoo (2013) establishing the ideal learning environment
should be the top priority for any committed educator. This entails making sure that
things like proper lighting, controlled temperature, and noise control among other things
are comfortable.

A packed classroom slows down the teaching learning process, since the teacher
may find it difficult to walk around the classroom and provide the students with
individualised attention especially the students seated at the unusual classroom angles.
The setting is crucial for facilitating a more successful learning process and creating the
ideal environment that benefits both the teachers and the students (Chuma 2012)

This study aims to explore the complex effects of an uncomfortable learning

environment on students, shedding light on its varied consequences and advocating for
strategies to cultivate spaces that nurture both intellectual and personal growth.
By exploring the intricate interplay between environmental factors and the student’s
efficiency and outcomes, this study hopes to inform educational stakeholders, policy
makers, and practitioners about the vital need of creating learning environments that are
inclusive, supportive, and empowering in order to foster a sense of engagement and
academic success for all students.
 Libertad National High School

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

SURALLAH SOUTH COTABATO

SY. 2023-2024

Background of the Study

As a significant variable that advances the academic performance of students in

either a positive or negative way, it has been neglected in the ongoing efforts to address
the persistent struggle of underperformance among the learners within the education
system of the nation. (Usman et al., 2019)

On the subject of negative influences, a varying factor in both physical and

environmental can be the reason for underperformance of students. Resulting in portrayal
of certain behaviors such as physical discomfort, distraction, disengagement, and even a
negative emotional response.
Given this, an uncomfortable learning space for learners, it could evoke a lack of self-
confidence, insecurities, and motivation to the learners (UBCATT, n.d.).

With acknowledgement to the newly resolved pandemic which has influenced

change in the educational learning environment and resulted in an unfamiliar space for
learning, students have experienced a hard time adjusting. From the accustomed face to
face classes, the global pandemic created a huge shift in the modalities used in learning
hence, the students learning space has been reformed to suit the COVID-19
protocols(Illescas,Ong and German, 2023).

Having to face an obstacle such as a global pandemic, students have developed a

sense of adaptability however the performance of one can also be affected by this. In a
statement given, it can be claimed that an undesirable learning atmosphere has an effect
on the academic performance of learners, most evidently negative. With regards to
statements of Schneider(2002), where there are given elements contributing to the quality
of learning where there is a given gap of conclusive results therefore this research aims
to provide new insights upon this given topic.
 Libertad National High School

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

SURALLAH SOUTH COTABATO

SY. 2023-2024

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to delve into the negative Influences of an uncomfortable learning
environment to students. To specify, it seeks acknowledgement to the questions:

1. How can the negative influences of an uncomfortable learning environment to

students be described in terms of:
a. Environmental factors
b. Physical factors
c. Missed learning opportunities

2. How can the negative influences of an uncomfortable learning environment to

students be described in terms of:
a. Physical discomfort
b. Distractions
c. Disengagement
d. Lower grades

3. What is the potential outcome of decreased productivity and academic performance

among students in an uncomfortable learning environment?
a. Lower grades
b. Negative impact future opportunities
c. Difficulty advancing

4. Based on the results of the study, what are the measures that can be implied to
overcome the negative influence of uncomfortable learning environment to student?
a. Increased stress and anxiety
b. Negative impact on well being
c. Disruptive behavior
 Libertad National High School

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

SURALLAH SOUTH COTABATO

SY. 2023-2024

Significance of the Study

The results of the study will be beneficial to following stakeholders as a basis to

Negative Effects of an Uncomfortable Learning Environment on Students:

To the teachers, this study can provide valuable insight to teachers on how to
create a more conducive and supportive learning environment for their studies.

To the students, this study will help them understand the impact of the learning on
students can help them recognized address challenges the may face in their academic
journey.

To the school administrators, this study’s can provide significance in its potential
to inform decision-making, policy development, and practices that prioritize the holistic
development and success of students whiting the school environment.

To the future researchers, this study may serve as a foundation for subsequent that
can inspire further investigation into the relationship between the learning environment
and students achievements, leading to the development of Innovated approaches and
interventions to improve educational practices.

To the parents, this study can help them to advocator their children’s well-being to
collaborate with educators to improve educational practices, and ensure that their children
have access to a positive and conducive learning environment that fosters academic
success and overall growth
 Libertad National High School

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

SURALLAH SOUTH COTABATO

SY. 2023-2024

Related Literature

The thought in the statement of Murugan and Rajoo (2019) emphasizes that a
committed educator is to give outmost importance to the establishment and foundation of
an ideal learning space. There are certain characteristics that contribute to an efficient
educational environment, especially within our school campuses. Given that, factors such
as quality of lighting, optimal classroom temperature, and sound, performs a major role
in our classrooms.

For students to explore a broader scope of knowledge, these elements must be

evident; however, statements of Karen and Barbara (2004) deem the cause of sultry
days to be ungovernable by man, with this said, the maintenance of a classroom’s ideal
temperature, which is significant for a learner to eagerly partake in educational activities,
is beyond man’s control. With regards to temperature, having extreme heat would cause
disruptions in the focus and engagement of students in class. A certain portrayal of this
would not only include lack of attention but also drowsiness. In worse cases, extreme
temperatures could lead to health issues. Thus, a learning space that promotes an optimal
degree of warmth and coolness would boost students learning efficiency and create a
pleasant atmosphere for them.

To further develop a learner’s capabilities, the existence of other elements is

required. For better comprehension, a direct approach in teaching and audibility in sound
would be required. Distractions in classes are often caused by unwanted sounds, which
divert the focus of a student to the noise. Along with sound comes lighting, which also
contributes to a student’s ability to pay attention and to improve their mind’s awareness
and stable performance. Although the types of light bulbs typically utilized in schools are
said to cause discomfort for certain individuals with particular preferences.
 Libertad National High School

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

SURALLAH SOUTH COTABATO

SY. 2023-2024

In view of the disadvantages stated, an educator is considered to be responsible for

the maintenance of the learning environment. In the process of building a comfortable
environment for learning, an educator is also to be aware of their role and significance
in a student’s success, as a lack of focus on the learning environment would lessen the
rate of progress in a student’s academic performance (Simmons, 2013). Modifications in
designs and infrastructures can be implied and applied, although there are also numerous
other methods of maintenance. However, in accordance with a previous study of Woolner
et al. (2007), there is no adequate number of practical proof for the blueprint of later
infrastructure outlines

In the same year of 2012, a study by Kilie and Chuma indicated that having
enough educational resources and instructional mediums in a classroom has a significant
impact on both learning and teaching. However with respect to the given study, it was
stated that an overpopulated environment would reduce the speed of the teaching-learning
process. The reason being, the teacher might encounter struggle to navigate the room and
provide individualized focus to students outside the range of accessibility in the
classroom. Therefore, a suitable and well-organized classroom environment is crucial, for
it provides aid in constructing a process of teaching that is more effective and creates an
ideal environment for both the learner and educator (Frazier, 2002).

A year before the study of Kilie and Chuma, a relevant research of Blackmore et
al. in 2011, along with subsequent work by Bruhwiler and Blatchford in the same year,
would take into account the verified claim that includes the advantages of better
academic results in relation to the learning environment of a learner. This claim has
already been proven with solid proof from all around the globe. The physical aspects of
the school can notably impact not only the student and their learning process but also
the teachers who are responsible for the overall teaching process. The negative aspects,
such as inadequate lighting, noise pollution, excessive levels of carbon dioxide in the
classroom, and fluctuating temperature, can create difficulties in both teaching and
learning.
 Libertad National High School

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

SURALLAH SOUTH COTABATO

SY. 2023-2024

An inquiry with relevance to the positive and negative effects of school designs on
academic development has already been discussed widely among various researchers. In
their studies, it revealed a modest relationship between a student’s exam result and their
personal standards with the situations of their learning facilities. The mentioned query
remarks on the clarity of which particular aspects of the learning facilities these students
are referring to (Hopland and Nyhus, 2015). With respect to an earlier review of
Blackmore et al., in 2001, he stated that studies tend to exaggerate the design stage of
these facilities and divert focus on how this later interacts with the users-the students.

A widely known solution for this might be one that has already created influence all
over the world. Technology has not only played a significant role in the progression of
society but also in the field of education, although the technology chosen should not
necessarily be suitable for the particular school environment. In the same study, the
alignment of the utilization of technology would not only incorporate the needs of a
learning environment but also school planning and construction (The Impact, 2019).

Definition of Terms

Classroom. A space within the school or university in which classes are held and
students have a space to broaden their knowledge.
Learning environment. It extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. It
represents a secure and supportive domain that fosters students' pursuit of knowledge and
is enhanced by the inspiration derived from the environment itself.
Academic performance. An evaluation of the level of learning attained by
students. It serves as a crucial measure of the efficacy of educational institutions.
Learning efficiency. Is the effectiveness and productivity of the learning process
in accomplishing educational objectives. This encompasses the speed at which information
is absorbed, the duration of retention, and the practical application of the acquired
knowledge.