Conducive environment a must for learning

Hoping for a better future: Year three pupils of SK Kusilad in Pitas, Sabah, reading books near the broken cupboard in their dilapidated classroom. – File photo

HAVING top-notch educators is not enough for effective learning – studies have consistently shown a correlation between school environment and student outcomes.

Universiti Malaya (UM) Educational Psychology and Counseling Department head Prof Loh Sau Cheong said factors like school size, location or site, and class size; teacher-teacher and teacher-student relationships; facilities including libraries, technical workshops and laboratories; teacher quality, school management, teaching methods and peer influence are variables that affect students’ academic performance or achievement.