APA Dictionary of Psychology

the physical, social, psychological, and intellectual conditions that characterize an instructional setting. Although the physical environment usually includes classrooms, laboratories, and lecture halls, it may also include alternative locations, such as a museum, home, gymnasium, or even the outdoors. Regardless of the setting, the degree of enclosure or openness, noise, seating arrangements, density, and size have all been shown to have an effect on student behavior and learning. See also open-classroom design.