International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236

Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE STUDENTS

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
IRENE PAJARILLO-AQUINO, LPT, MST Faculty-College of Teacher Education Cagayan State
University Andrews Campus, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines 3500
ABSTRACT: Classroom environment seems to be an important motivating factor that
makes the teaching and learning process enjoyable. The quality of teaching and learning will
become evident in every learning institution when proper facilities and instructional
materials are provided. The presence of these facilities and instructional will enable the
students to be more comfortable which may contribute to a better academic performance in
the class. A well equipped classroom will not only affect the learners but also the teacher’s
attitude in the class. This study aimed to determine the effects and relationship of classroom
environment to the academic performance of students of the College of Teacher Education.
The descriptive correlational method was used in this research study employing correlational
treatment of the data to establish the relationship that exists between the classroom
environment and the academic performance. The respondents of the study are students of
the College of Education of the Cagayan State University – as the main data source. The
student-respondents were randomly chosen. A questionnaire which was patterned from the
study of Collado, et. al was the devise used to gather the data and was designed to elicit
necessary information regarding the effect of classroom environment on the academic
performance of the student-respondents. The questionnaire consists of two parts the first
part consists of the personal profile of the respondents while the second part delved on the
variables of classroom environment. On the basis of the findings of the study, it is concluded
that the classroom environment has a significant influence on the student's academic
performance and therefore, the researcher strongly recommends that the government and
school administration should improve the condition of the classroom by providing adequate
facilities necessary for a comfortable and conducive place for learners.

INTRODUCTION
Classroom environment seems to be an important motivating factor that makes the
teaching and learning process enjoyable. The quality of teaching and learning will become
evident in every learning institution when proper facilities and instructional materials are
provided. The presence of these facilities and instructional will enable the students to be
more comfortable which may contribute to a better academic performance in the class. A
well equipped classroom will not only affect the learners but also the teacher’s attitude in
the class. The way in which the teacher organizes their class or how they control it will yield
positive or negative consequences for their students. A teacher who is motivated and have
positive attitude there will also a positive impact on the students performance. (According
to Aquino), a good classroom has a stimulating climate-one that results not only from

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 International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236
Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

desirable physical surroundings and healthful conditions but also from social relationship
and emotional attitudes.
A research by Sunday (2012) revealed that there is a significant relationship between
physical school environment and student's academic performance in senior secondary
school physics. To him, the physical school environment has some influences on student's
academic achievement in senior secondary school physics. The physical facilities, human
resources, and the relationship among them determine the physical environment of the
school. The result indicated that students with adequate laboratory facilities in physics
perform better than those in school with less or without facilities, this is simply because
laboratory forms part in enriching the physical school environment. It was also discovered
that poor facilities and inadequate space, as well school environment of items including
seats in the classroom, library and laboratory would affect the organization of learning
environment. Favorable school climate gives room for students to work hard and improve
their academic achievement.
A large amount of child's time is spent sitting in a classroom. Classroom is a place that can
offer a wholesome venue for learning activities which can be realized only in an atmosphere
conducive to both teaching and learning process. This is the place where they will learn the
various skills deemed necessary and proper for them to achieve success in this globally
competitive society. The classroom is where they will gain an understanding of their place in
the world and the gifts that they have to offer it. It is where the students develop what they
want their future to look like, as well as knowledge of their skills needed to reach that goal.
With the classroom being such an important place in the growth of a child, it is important to
understand the ways in which to affect this environment in order to receive maximum
effectiveness in instruction. If schools really do play a large role in teaching the next
generation how to be successful members of society, then every precaution should be taken
to make sure that learning environment is one that helps students thrive. Classroom is a
place where formal learning occurs but the atmosphere makes the classroom better.
Oworye, J.S (2011) showed that there is a significant difference between the academic
achievement of students in rural and urban secondary schools as measured by senior school
certificate examinations. To him, the geographical location of schools has a significant
influence on the academic achievement of students. Also the study has proven that students
in urban areas had better academic achievement than their rural counterpart. In other
word, students in urban locations have a very advantage of favorable learning environment
that apparently enhance their academic performance.
A research by Sunday, A.A (2012) revealed that there is a significant relationship between
physical school environment and students' academic performance in senior secondary
school physics. To him, the physical school environment has some influences on students'
academic achievement in senior secondary school physics. The physical facilities, human
resources, and the relationship among them determine the physical environment of the

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 International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236
Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

school. The result indicated that students with adequate laboratory facilities in physics
perform better than those in school with less or without facilities, this simply because
laboratory forms part enrich the physical school environment. It was also discovered that
poor facilities and inadequate space, as well as the arrangement of items including seats in
the classroom, library and laboratory would affect the organization of learning environment.
Favourable school climate gives room for students to work hard and enhance their academic
achievement.
Orlu, C. (2013) conducted a research among six hundred teachers and students with the aim
to find out environmental influence on the academic performance of secondary school
students in Port Harcourt local government area of river state. The result of this research
indicated that the school environment has a significant influence on the academic
performance. For example, when a school is sited in a noisy area like an airport or in the
heart of a city where activities disrupt the teaching-learning of the student. One will not
expect such students in this area to be doing well academically. Noise in anything interferes
with teaching-learning process.
However, the physical structure of the school building and the interactions between
teachers and students also influence students' performance. School climate can be a
positive influence on the health of the learning environment or a significant barrier to
learning. The school environment can affect many areas and people within schools. For
example, a positive school climate has been associated with fewer behavioral and emotional
problems for students.
Therefore it is believed that a positive interpersonal relationship and optional learning
opportunities for students for smooth running of academic activities which results in good
academic performance.
Suleman and Hussain (2014) reported that studies in on the classroom environment
revealed that physical environment plays a vital role in the teaching- learning process. It can
affect the performance of both teachers and students. The classroom environment includes
many different facets. The environment can include the placement of tables and chairs,
lighting and temperature, classroom management, discipline techniques, and engaging
lesson plans.
Denial, K.K. Felix, K.(2014) examined the impact of the school environment and peer
influence on the students' academic performance. The study assessed school environment
factors and peer influence in term of the level of psychological impact they have on
learners. Twenty one public secondary schools in sabbatic established that school
environment exert a potent influence on students' academic performance. The school as an
institution of learning which also acts as a second home of learners has been found to have
a strong relationship with students' academic performance. Therefore, the head teacher
and the teachers should provide a favourable learning environment where students are free
to consult them when in need. They should also provide adequate education facilities that

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 International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236
Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

can arouse interests in the students and to motivate them to work hard. It is believed that a
cordial relationship between the head teacher and students create an environment
favorable to learning as discussions encouraged, and learners are listened. The head teacher
works together with students on how to succeed in life and academic work. The important
role of the teacher in the learning process is unquestionable.
Teachers have a lot of influence on their classroom practices. It is important to note that
teachers have a substantial impact on students' academic performance.
However, the school sector (private or public) and class size are two important structural
components of the school. Private school tends to have both better funding and smaller size
than public schools. The additional funding for private schools leads to a better academic
performance and more access to resources such as computer than have been shown to
enhance academic achievement.
The current paper was especially designed to examine the relationship of classroom
atmosphere, its effect to the academic performance of students. The findings of the study
will bring a constructive revolution in the classroom atmosphere to ensure effective
teaching- learning process. Furthermore, the findings of the study will be beneficial for the
teachers, policy makers, and education because it will provide information on the
effectiveness of classroom atmosphere in relation to the academic performance of students
at secondary school level
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Generally, this study aimed to determine the effects and relationship of classroom
environment to the academic performance of students of the College of Teacher Education.
Specifically, it answered the following questions:
1. What is the profile of the respondents as regards to:
1.1. Age
1.2. Sex
1.3. Civil status
2. What are the effects of classroom atmosphere to the academic performance of the
students?
3. Is there a relationship between the classroom atmospheres to the academic performance
of the students?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
There is no significant relationship of classroom environment to the academic performance
of the students.

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 International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236
Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

METHODOLOGY
The study employed a descriptive correlational design. The undertaking made use of
random sampling method in determining the respondents of the study. The data gathering
instrument used for this study is a questionnaire that contains two parts. Part 1contains
question related to demographic information of the respondents and part 2 contains
questions related to the classroom environment and academic performance of students.
The data that were gathered through the use of questionnaire were tabulated and analyzed.
To better analyze the data, the 4-point Likert Scale was used to determine the respondents
rating of the components in the questionnaire.
Numerical Value Descriptive value
1.00-1.74 Strongly disagree
1.75-2.49 Disagree
2.50-3.24 Agree
3.25-4.00 Strongly Agree

Frequency, Percentage and weighted mean were used to determine the respondent’s
profile and Pearson-r correlation was used for the treatment of the relationship between
paired data while the

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Table 1. Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to age.
Age Frequency Percentage
16 15 5.00
17 119 39.70
18 129 43.00
19 30 10.00
20 5 1.70
21 2 0.70
TOTAL 300 100.00
Table 1 presents the frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to
age. As gleaned from the table, the highest age is 18 with a frequency of 129 or 43 percent.
The data imply that the respondents are already in the age of majority.
Table 2. Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to sex.
Sex Frequency Percentage
Male 142 47.30
Female 158 52.70
Total 300 100.00
Table 2 shows the frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to sex.
As shown from the table, the female respondents out-numbered the males with a frequency
of 158 or 52.70 percent.

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 International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236
Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

Table 3. Frequency and percentage distribution according to civil status.

Civil Status Frequency Percentage
Single 300 100
Married 0 0
Total 300 100
Table 3 reflects the frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to civil
status. As revealed in the table, all of the respondents are single with the frequency of 300
or 100.00 percent..
Table 4: Weighted mean distribution and descriptive value of the Facilities of the
institution
Facilities Weighted Mean SD Descriptive
value
The school facilities are well built and 3.07 0.49 Agree
have strong foundations.
The comfort room smells stingy during 2.38 0.83 Disagree
class discussion.
The roof of our classroom leaks when 1.51 0.89 Strongly
heavy rain comes. disagree

The school has complete learning 2.90 0.65 Agree

materials.
Over all weighted mean 2.465 Disagree
Table 4 shows that the weighted mean distribution and descriptive value of the facilities of
the institution. Of the facilities existing in the institution, the respondents agree their school
was built well and has strong foundation with a weighted mean of 3.07. The lowest
weighted mean was assigned on the item “the roof of our classroom leaks when heavy rain
comes” in which the respondent strongly disagree with a weighted mean of 1.51. These
data imply that their institution is well equipped with the necessary building infrastructure
and materials.
Table 5. Weighted mean distribution and descriptive value of the Painting and Lighting
Painting and lighting Mean SD Descriptive
value
The classrooms are bright enough for 3.05 0.53 Agree
teaching-learning activities.
You can perform better if your 3.22 0.75 Agree
classroom is renovated
Dull classroom painting affect teaching 3.10 0.71 Agree
and learning process.
The classroom has adequate electricity 2.75 0.81 Agree
light supply.
Over all weighted mean 3.03 Agree
Table 5 shows that the weighted mean distribution and descriptive value of the painting and
lighting of the institution. The respondents agree with a category mean of 3.03 that their

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 International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236
Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

institution is equipped with the necessary painting and lighting for they believe that the
presence of a good and presentable classroom will affect their performance in the class.
Table 6. Weighted mean distribution and descriptive value of the Proper ventilation of
classroom
Proper ventilation of Classroom Mean SD Description
Poor ventilation makes learning boring. 2.95 0.71 Agree
You can perform better in a moderate 2.98 0.59 Agree
classroom temperature.
Adequate air ventilation during 3.0 0.67 Agree
discussion will improve and create better
participation of learners.
At times, you like staying outside 2.99 0.89 Agree
because classroom is very hot.
Over all weighted mean 2.92 Agree
As revealed in table 6, the respondents agree with a category mean of 2.92 that proper
ventilation of the classroom will provide a better and comfortable learning environment for
the students that will surely encourage them to participate more in their class activities
Table 7. Weighted mean distribution and descriptive value of the Seats and Sitting
Arrangement
Seats and Arrangement Mean SD Description
The classroom has enough seats and 2.96 0.75 Agree
desks for every student.
Good sitting arrangement makes 3.19 0.74 Agree
learning interesting.
The classroom has enough space for 3.02 0.81 Agree
each and every student.
No student obstructs another’s view due 2.91 0.68 Agree
to proper sitting arrangement.
Over all weighted mean 3.02 Agree
In the data revealed from the table, the respondents agree that enough seats and sitting
arrangements provided make them more comfortable and at ease in the learning and
teaching process
Table8. Weighted mean distribution and descriptive value of the Chalkboard Use
Chalkboard Mean SD Description
Value
The teacher's board writing is a 3.0 0.62 Agree
motivating factor for better assimilation.
You can clearly see all the writing on the 2.80 0.83 Disagree
board from the back seat.
Dilapidated chalkboard / Faded Paints of 2.91 0.66 Agree
Chalkboard are very distracting in class.
Over all weighted mean 2.90 Agree
Table 8 indicates that the teacher's board writing is a motivating factor for better
assimilation with the mean of 3.0. however, the respondents also believe that a dilapidated

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 International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236
Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

and faded painting of the blackboard have affected their better assimilation of the lesson in
the class.

Table9. Weighted mean distribution and descriptive value of Teacher's behavior

Teacher's behaviour Mean SD Descriptive
value
The teacher comes only in the class to 1.35 0.63 Strongly
check attendance. disagree

The teacher prepares his/her lesson 3.3 0.54 Strongly Agree

daily.
The teacher shouts when the class is too 2.45 0.70 Disagree
noisy.
The teacher maintains the cleanliness 3.45 0.63 Strongly Agree
and
orderliness of the classroom.
Over all weighted mean 2.64 Agree
The respondents strongly agree that the teacher is a very professional person in the class
showing respect to his students for not shouting on them when they are noisy and
maintains his duties and responsibilities of preparing his own lesson and maintaining his
composure in imposing discipline on his students. This implication is revealed in the table
which shows the category mean of 2.64 or agree.

Table10. Weighted mean distribution and descriptive value of Student's behavior

Student's-behaviour Mean SD Descriptive
value
I laugh and bully my classmates if 1.43 0.64 Strongly
he/she does not know the answer on disagree
the question of our teacher.
I respect those students who have 3.63 0.58 Strongly Agree
disabilities.
I cheat during exams and quizzes. 1.34 0.62 Strongly
disagree
We share ideas during group activities. 3.29 0.52 Strongly Agree
I am ready to lend a hand when my 3.33 0.58 Strongly Agree
classmates need help.
Over all weighted mean 2.60 Agree
The respondents are seen to be disciplined, responsible and respectful of the rights of
others as reflected by the data in table 10. As revealed further from the table, the
responsible respect the right of others especially those who are slow learners in the class.

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 International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236
Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

Table11. Weighted mean distribution and descriptive value of Student-teacher

Relationship
Student- Teacher Relationship Mean SD Descriptive
value
The teacher considers student's feelings. 3.24 0.56 Agree
The teacher helps the students when 3.28 0.55 Strongly Agree
they ask question.
The teacher's classroom rules and ways 3.32 0.58 Strong Agree
of doing things are fair.
The teacher helps the students to set up 3.47 0.66 Strongly Agree
goals for learning and keep track of
progress.
Over all weighted mean 3.32 Strongly Agree
Table 11 shows a good relationship and rapport of the teacher and students with each other
with a weighted mean of 3.32 or strongly agree.

Table 12. Relationship between Classroom Atmosphere and Academic Performance

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 Facilities 1.000
2 Painting and -30 1.000
lighting
3 Proper -.041 .134 1.000
ventilation of
classroom
4 Seats and .024 .238 .426 1.000
sitting
arrangement
5 Chalkboard .016 .150 .578 .445 1.000
use
6 Teacher's -.056 -.316 .477 .262 .554 1.000
behaviour
7 Student's -021 -.135 .282 .123 .140 .121 1.000
behaviour
8 Student- .012 .177 .236 .197 .174 -.040 .349 1.000
teacher
relationship

9 Grades .012 -.061 .335 .415 .393 .429 .202 .397 1.000
N=300 +.113 critical value .05 (two- tail) Ł.149 critical value
0.01 (two- tail)

Table 12 shows relationship between academic performance of the student and the school
environment. As shown from the table, all of the critical indicators listed by the researcher

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 International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN: 2278-6236
Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

have an effect in one way or the other the academic performance of the students in the
class.

CONCLUSION
Based from the findings, the classroom environment has a significant influence on the
student's academic performance. It must be noted that students with adequate learning
facilities, a good rapport of the teacher and students and a favorable learning environment
are the key factors in determining academic performance of students.

RECOMMENDATIONS
From the above findings and conclusion, the researcher strongly recommends the following:
1. Government and school administration should improve the condition of the classroom by
providing adequate facilities necessary for a comfortable and conducive place for learners.
2. The teachers should treat their students equally and fairly.

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Murugan , A.& Rajoo, L.(2013): Students' Perceptions Mathematics Classroom Environment

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Management and Social Sciences Impact Factor: 7.065

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