Here are some useful hints that we have gathered about the learning environment and how it effects student's learning outcomes. You may find it useful when you plan your classroom layout.

1. Keep in mind your teaching style and the learning outcomes you wish to achieve when you are setting up your classroom.

2. Keep your classroom design cluster free. Only have the resources you are using ready to access.

3. Carefully consider your needs as a teacher and the needs of the students, particularly ensure that every child can see and hear from every part of the room and that there is plenty of space to move around and help students.

4. Maximize classroom space and this helps with cleanliness.

5. Design your classroom to optimize natural light and temperature.

6. Consider the particular year level you are teaching (the layout for a reception class will be vastly different to a year 7 class).

7. Always ensure you can make eye contact with all students in the class.

8. Be aware of health and safety issues.

8. Make materials and supplies easily accessible to prevent delays, disruptions and confusion.  Perhaps store frequently used materials in a number of different places around the room.

9. Learning can be more effective if children have the opportunity to move around and interact with others and obtain information from different parts of the room.  Consider this when arranging seating, special corners, equipment and resources.

10. When using posters and decorating walls try to remember the cultural diversity represented within the classroom.

11. Make particular effort to display each child's work, rotating when necessary.

12. It is useful to test out your newly design classroom to decide whether it is logistically appropriate and that it creates the atmosphere and learning environment you hoped for.

13. Create a strong child-centered environment with little stress that enables productive learners to work to the brain's natural learning ability.

14. Providing an environment that is conducive to optimal learning and that stimulates positive brain learning is the sole responsibility of the teacher facilitating the students in his/her classroom.  Enriching the environment is a step towards producing a more productive classroom.