Module 1 Learner Safety and Security
For teachers to be effective and for students to learn well, a safe and secure learning
environment should be established. The objectives of the lesson are the following:
1. Identify safety and security policies and practices in a learning environment;
2. Interview how safety and security policies are practices in a learning environment; and
3. Reflects on how safety and security practices impacts teaching and learning.
Educational Theory
Learning environment refers to any context in which learning is supposed to take place. It
may refer to a physical space like a classroom, laboratory, or any room. It may also refer to a
non-formal learning environment such as distance learning and online or virtual learning where
the teaching-learning process occurs (Bernard 2012). In other words, learning environment is
more than just physical components. It refers to any space where the needs of learners are
addressed, interactions occur, and relationships are established in order for learning to effectively
take place.
Environment plays a vital role in learning (Hannah 2013). For learning take place, it is
important that certain needs are met. Students will have a difficult time focusing on their studies
if their minds are preoccupied with matters other that the lesson being taught. Psychologist
Abraham Maslow formulated a hierarchy of needs. It states that each level should be fulfilled in
order to progress to the next stage. Two of the basic needs identified by Maslow are security and
safety. Students should be in an environment where they are free to move, talk, and interact with
other without compromising their physical, psychological, and emotional health. This can be
done by making sure that routines are established, rules are clearly defined, and policies are
explicitly explained. Knowing what to expect provides students as opportunity to manage
behaviour as they fit in a predictable learning environment (Burleson and Thoron 2014).
Interview
Check (√) the box that corresponds to the environment of the class.
The learning environment Yes No Remarks
1. Is clean and orderly
2. Has policies that ensure the safety and security of
students
3. Has space where students can play
4. Displays work of students
5. Allows students to freely express their thought
and ideas
6. Gives students an opportunity to take part in the
formulation of classroom rules and policies
7. Has teachers who are calm and respectful
8. Encourages students to explore and learn on their
own
9. Give students opportunities to correct mistakes
10. Encourage students to resolve conflicts
peacefully.
Processing
Read carefully and answer the following question based on what you interviewed.
1. What features of the learning environment have significantly contributes to the students’
learning?
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2. In your opinion, how can the school’s learning environment are improved?
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3. How does Maslow’s theory explain the importance of security and safety in ensuring that
learning will take place?
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Reflection
Complete the following:
1. I realized that
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2. I believe that
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3. I feel that
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4. When I become a teacher, I will
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