Practical Framework for Fostering a Positive Learning Environment.

The Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics continues the series about skills of, and strategies used by great clinical teachers. Great clinical teachers recognize that many things influence students’ learning, including what they teach, how they teach, and where they teach. “Where” refers to the learning environment. Although the term “environment” may conjure visions of trees, snow-capped mountains, and rain, the “learning environment” refers to the setting in which the curriculum exists. The learning environment includes the physical, social, and psychological context in which students learn and the overall atmosphere or culture pervading the setting where students and clinical teachers work and learn together. Although the learning environment of an institution is greatly influenced at the organizational level, this article will focus on elements under the control of individual teachers. We describe practical ways busy clinical teachers can foster a positive learning environment.