Introduction

Within the broad field of education, the learning environment is a

critical factor in determining student’s overall wellbeing and academic

success. However, amidst the pursuit for knowledge, an often-overlooked

factor is the impact of an uncomfortable learning environment on the

student’s efficiency to learn. Although learning environments are intended to

nurture and promote the student’s growth and development, it can be very

detrimental to students’ ability to flourish when there is discomfort, whether

it is caused by physical, social, or emotional issues.

According to Murugan and Rajoo (2013) establishing the ideal learning

environment should be the top priority for any committed educator. This

entails making sure that things like proper lighting, controlled temperature,

and noise control among other things are comfortable.

A packed classroom slows down the teaching learning process, since the

teacher may find it difficult to walk around the classroom and provide the

students with individualised attention especially the students seated at the

unusual classroom angles. The setting is crucial for facilitating a more

successful learning process and creating the ideal environment that benefits

both the teachers and the students (Chuma 2012)

This study aims to explore the complex effects of an uncomfortable learning

environment on students, shedding light on its varied consequences and

advocating for strategies to cultivate spaces that nurture both intellectual and

personal growth.

By exploring the intricate interplay between environmental factors and the

student’s efficiency and outcomes, this study hopes to inform educational

stakeholders, policy makers, and practitioners about the vital need of creating

learning environments that are inclusive, supportive, and empowering in

order to foster a sense of engagement and academic success for all students.
Background of the study

As a significant variable that advances the academic performance of

students in either a positive or negative way, it has been neglected in the

ongoing efforts to address the persistent struggle of underperformance among

the learners within the education system of the nation. (Usman et al., 2019)

On the subject of negative influences, a varying factor in both physical and

environmental can be the reason for underperformance of students. Resulting

in portrayal of certain behaviors such as physical discomfort, distraction,

disengagement, and even a negative emotional response.

Given this, an uncomfortable learning space for learners, it could evoke a

lack of self-confidence, insecurities, and motivation to the learners

(UBCATT, n.d.).

With acknowledgement to the newly resolved pandemic which has

influenced change in the educational learning environment and resulted in an

unfamiliar space for learning, students have experienced a hard time

adjusting. From the accustomed face to face classes, the global pandemic
created a huge shift in the modalities used in learning hence, the students

learning space has been reformed to suit the COVID-19

protocols(Illescas,Ong and German, 2023).

Having to face an obstacle such as a global pandemic, students have

developed a sense of adaptability however the performance of one can also

be affected by this. In a statement given, it can be claimed that an undesirable

learning atmosphere has an effect on the academic performance of learners,

most evidently negative. With regards to statements of Schneider(2002),

where there are given elements contributing to the quality of learning where

there is a given gap of conclusive results therefore this research aims to

provide new insights upon this given topic.

Statement of the problem

1. How do distractions in an uncomfortable learning environment impact

students?

a) Decreased productivity and academic performance

b) unable to focus in class

c) Missed Learning Opportunities

2. What are the student's coping mechanisms due to the bad learning

environment:

a) problem-focused coping

b) emotion-focused coping

c) self-curing

3. what is the potential outcome of Decreased productivity and academic

performance among students in uncomfortable learning environment?

a) Lower Grades

b) Negative impact on future opportunities

c) Difficulty Advancing

4. How do emotional responses to uncomfortable learning environments

affect students?

a) Increased Stress and Anxiety

b) Negative Impact on Well-being

c) Disruptive Behavior
Related Literature

The thought in the statement of Murugan and Rajoo (2019) emphasizes

that a committed educator is to give outmost importance in the establishment

and foundation of an ideal learning space. There are certain characteristics

that contribute in an efficient educational environment, especially within our

school campuses. Given that, factors such as quality of lighting, optimal

classroom temperature, and sound, performs a major role in our classrooms.

For students to explore a broader scope of knowledge, these elements must be

evident however, statements of Karen and Barbara(2004) deems the cause of

sultry days to be ungovernable by man, with this said the maintenance of a

classroom’s ideal temperature which significant for a learner to eagerly

partake in educational activities is beyond man’s control. With regards to

temperature, having extreme heat would cause disruption in the focus and

engagement of students in class. A certain portrayal of this would not only

include lack of attention but also drowsiness. In worse cases, extreme

temperatures could lead to health issues. Thus, a learning space that promotes
an optimal degree of warmth and coolness would boost students learning

efficiency and create a pleasant atmosphere for a learner.

To further develop a learner’s capabilities, the existence of the other elements

are required. For better comprehension, a direct approach in teaching and

audibility in sound would be required. Distractions in classes are often caused

by unwanted sounds which diverts the focus of a student onto the mentioned

noise. Along with sound comes lighting which also contributes to a student’s

ability to pay attention and to prosper their mind’s awareness and stable

performance. Although the types of light bulbs typically utilized in schools

are said to cause discomfort for certain individuals with particular

preferences.

In the view of such disadvantages stated, an educator is considered to be

responsible in the maintenance of the learning environment. In the process of

building a comfortable environment for learning, an educator is also to be

aware of their role and significance in a student’s success, as lack of focus

upon the learning environment would lessen the rate of progress in student’s
academic performance (Simmons, 2013). Modification in designs and

infrastructures can be implied and applied, although there are other numerous

methods of maintenance. However in accordance to a previous study of

Woolner et. al (2007) which states that there is no adequate number of

practical proof for the blueprint of later infrastructure outlines

On the same year of 2012, a study by Kilie and Chuma indicates that having

enough educational resources and instructional mediums in a classroom has a

significant impact on both learning and teaching however with respect to the

given study, it was stated that an overpopulated environment would reduce

the speed of the teaching-learning process. The reason being, the teacher

might encounter struggle to navigate the room and provide individualized

focus upon students outside the range of accessibility in the classroom.

Therefore, a suitable and well-organized classroom environment is crucial for

it provides aid in constructing a process of teaching that is more effective and

creates an ideal environment for both the learner and educator.(Frazier, 2002)
A year before the study of Kilie and Chuma, a relevant research of

Blackmore et al. in the year 2011, along with a subsequent work of Bruhwiler

and Blatchford on the same year, would take into account the verified claim

that includes the advantages of better academic results in relation with the

learning environment of a learner. This claim has already been proven by

solid proof from all around the globe. The physical aspects of the school can

notably impact not only the student and their learning process but also the

teachers who are responsible for the overall teaching process. The negative

aspects such as inadequate lighting, noise pollution, excessive levels of

carbon dioxide in the classroom and fluctuating temperature can create

difficulties in teaching and also learning.

An inquiry with relevance to the positive and negative effects of school

designs on academic development has already been discussed widely among

various researchers. In their studies, it revealed modest relationship between

a student’s exam result and their personal standards with the situations of

their learning facilities. The mentioned query remarks on the clarity of which

particular aspects of the learning facilities are these students referring to

(Hopland and Nyhus, 2015).With respect to an earlier review of Blackmore

et. al, in the year 2001, he stated that studies tend exaggerate the design stage

of these facilities and divert focus on how this later interacts with the users-

the students.

A widely known solution for this might be one that has already created

influence all over the world. Technology has not only portrayed a significant

part in the progression of the society but also in the field of education

although the certain technology chosen should be necessarily suitable for the

particular school environment. In the same study, the alignment of the

utilization of technology would not only incorporate with the needs of a

learning environment but also with school planning and construction (The

Impact, 2019).

Definition of terms
 A classroom is a space within the school or university in which classes

are held and students have a space to broaden their knowledge

A learning environment extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. It

represents a secure and supportive domain that fosters students' pursuit of

knowledge and is enhanced by the inspiration derived from the environment

itself.

Academic performance is an evaluation of the level of learning attained by

students. It serves as a crucial measure of the efficacy of educational

institutions.

Learning efficiency pertains to the effectiveness and productivity of the

learning process in accomplishing educational objectives. This encompasses

the speed at which information is absorbed, the duration of retention, and the

practical application of the acquired knowledge.