Factors That Affect a Child's Learning.

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Developing my understanding of the factors that affect the quality of children’s learning. Children are not blank canvases when they arrive at school. They have a whole wealth of experiences that makes them who they are. Some of these experiences can promote learning and others can distract from it. This assignment will outline a number of factors that affect the quality of children’s learning; these will include family background, the child’s language competence and the classroom environment. Family background is an umbrella term that comprises of anything relating to the child’s home environment. This environment can be a positive one that encourages a child’s learning although there are also many situations in which this environment could distract and even hinder learning. Social class and family dynamic will both be outlined in this assignment with regards to how they affect the quality of a child’s learning. Language competence refers to the range of vocabulary a child has and can understand. Obviously this increases as the child gets older but there is also extensive variance within a year group. This can affect the quality of learning both positively and negatively depending on the range of vocabulary the individual child has. Low language competence is also highly correlated with psychopathic disorders such as anxiety or depression (Russell and Grizzle. 2008) The classroom environment is also very important for a child’s learning. If a child feels uncomfortable in any way they will not be able to focus on their work. If the environment is welcoming and positive then the children will be motivated, co-operative and enjoy learning (Macpherson, 2007). Family Background. The family background of a child plays an influential role in the child’s learning which can be positive or negative. Research has shown that there are a number of potential risk
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