A learning environment refers to the diverse physical locations, contexts, and cultures in which students learn. It can range from a traditional classroom setup to an online virtual space, and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including societal culture and pedagogical methods. The history of learning environments traces back to the ancient times, with concepts like the Japanese gakuen, or “learning garden,” and the Greek scholē, initially meaning “leisure.” Operational characteristics of learning environments include the types of schools, structure, staffing, and curriculum. Societal influences can shape educational support, facilities, and the attraction of high-quality educators. Pedagogy and learning styles in education, including progressive and constructivist models, are vital components of learning environments. Lastly, approaches to learning, such as active and passive learning, play a crucial role in the effectiveness and evolution of learning environments.
The term ambiente de aprendizagem can refer to an educational approach, cultural context, or physical setting in which teaching and learning occur. The term is commonly used as a more definitive alternative to "classroom", but it typically refers to the context of educational philosophy or knowledge experienced by the student and may also encompass a variety of learning cultures—its presiding ethos and characteristics, how individuals interact, governing structures, and philosophy. In a societal sense, learning environment may refer to the culture of the population it serves and of their location. Learning environments are highly diverse in use, learning styles, organization, and educational institution. The culture and context of a place or organization includes such factors as a way of thinking, behaving, or working, also known as organizational culture. For a learning environment such as an educational institution, it also includes such factors as operational characteristics of the instructors, instructional group, or institution; the philosophy or knowledge experienced by the student and may also encompass a variety of learning cultures—its presiding ethos and characteristics, how individuals interact, governing structures, and philosophy in learning styles and pedagogies used; and the societal culture of where the learning is occurring. Although physical environments do not determine educational activities, there is evidence of a relationship between school settings and the activities that take place there.
PT 
NL 
EN 
FR