Physical Learning Environment and Its Effect to Learners’ Classroom Engagement in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija
Keywords:
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Cabiao Campus, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Color, Lighting, Seating Arrangement, Acoustic, Temperature, Learner's Classroom EngagementAbstract
The physical learning environment had a primary role in shaping learners' classroom engagement. This study aimed to determine how environmental factors, such as color, lighting, seating arrangement, acoustics, and temperature, influenced the behavioral-social and social-affective engagement of Grade 5 students in selected public elementary schools in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija. Data were gathered from 189 Grade 5 students via a researcher-developed and expert-validated questionnaire. To analyze the data and establish the correlations between physical environment factors and classroom engagement, mean scores and Pearson's correlation were calculated, employing a quantitative descriptive research design. The findings showed that the specific physical learning environment variables had statistically significant positive relationships with both behavioral-social and social-affective engagement. Among the variables, lighting, temperature, and seating arrangement demonstrated the highest correlation with student engagement, such as behavioral-social engagement and affective-social engagement. The results suggested that a well-structured and supportive physical classroom environment enhances learners’ active participation, emotional comfort, and peer interaction. These findings underscore the primacy of thoughtful classroom design in promoting improved academic, behavioral, affective, and social outcomes of a learner. This research contributes to improving learning environments by offering actionable insights for educators.
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