The Evolution of the Field of Learning Environments Research

Abstract

This article reviews half a century of remarkable expansion and internationalisation in the field of learning environments research, including milestones such as the creation of the American Educational Research Association’s Special Interest Group on Learning Environments and Springer’s Learning Environments Research: An International Journal. Several widely used, extensively validated and economical questionnaires for assessing learning environments (e.g., What Is Happening In this Class? WIHIC) are discussed. A review of research identifies how learning environment researchers have generated robust knowledge about how to improve student outcomes through creating positive learning environments; demonstrated the value of including learning environment dimensions as process criteria of effectiveness when evaluating educational programmes and teaching methods; and provided teachers with straightforward approaches to use in action research aimed at improving their students’ learning environments. To facilitate and motivate future research and practical applications, the 56-item WIHIC is included in an appendix, and some newer and emerging lines of research are identified (e.g., cross-national studies; the physical environments of educational buildings and learning spaces; and advances in methods of statistical analysis for learning environment studies).