Hiemstra (1991) on Effective Learning Environments

Hiemstra, R. (1991). Aspects of effective learning environments. In R. Hiemstra (Ed.), Creating environments for effective adult learning (New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, vol 50) (pp. 5-12). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Summary
The first of ten in an edited work, this chapter introduces the topic (learning environments) by chronicling the evolution of Roger Hiemstra’s understanding of it. Though he was originally only concerned about physical characteristics, Rog’s definition is now much broader: “A learning environment is all of the physical surroundings, psychological or emotional conditions, and social or cultural influences affecting the growth and development of an adult engaged in an educational enterprise” (p. 8) Perhaps the most interesting part is the annotated list of works that influenced Hiemstra’s thinking about learning environments (see notes below).

The chapter closes with the acknowledgement that many adult educators may not be interested or see value in broadening the definition of learning environment. Hiemstra identifies three ways to overcome this resistance: perspective transformation, paradigm shift, and creation of a personal philosophy statement. In so doing, he highlights the importance and difficulty involved in making this change.

Points of Interest from Hiemstra’s list of Influential Works

1. Hiemstra & Sisco (1990) provides a checklist analyzing the physical aspects of the learning environment
2. Tagiuri’s (1968) taxonomy of components of a learning environment:
1. Ecology (characteristics of classroom)
2. Milieu (characteristics of participants)
3. Social system (interrelationships)
4. Culture (values, beliefs, etc.)
3. Galbraith (1989, 1990) says learning environment has physical and emotional/psychological aspects
4. Pappas (1990) lists four psychological aspects of the learning environment: (p. 7)
1. “spatial behavior”
2. “physical characteristics (light temperature, noise, décor, and furniture arrangement)”
3. “role of tradition”
4. “affective experience (how a person anticipates and responds to a learning setting)”
5. “Gibb (1978) has developed EQ, an environmental quality scale, for measuring trust relationships within an organizational context” (p. 7)

Terms & Definitions

• Learning Environment: “all of the physical surroundings, psychological or emotional conditions, and social or cultural influences affecting the growth and development of an adult engaged in an educational enterprise” (p. 8)