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DEFINITION AND TYPES OF ENVIRONMENT

THE CONCEPT OF ENVIRONMENT
 
Simply put, environment refers to the surroundings in which an individual grows up. It is a state of nature in which man finds himself. It is also the conditions that affect the behavior and development of an individual. It plays an important role in the socialization process because socialization takes place within the context, content and dictate of the environment.
TYPES OF ENVIRONMENT

Generally speaking, environment can be grouped in two broad categories:

1. Pre - Natal Environment: This refers to the mother's womb where foetus develops into baby.

2. Post - Natal environment: This implies the totality of the surroundings in which a child develops after birth.

TYPES OF POST - NATAL ENVIRONMENT
Below are types of post – natal environment
1.  Physical Environment
2.  Social Environment
3.  Political Environment
4.  Educational Environment
5.  Demographic Environment
6.  Economic Environment
7.  Technological Environment

1. Physical Environment: This type of post – natal environment refers to both natural and man - made elements of man's surroundings. It includes weather and climate, soil, rivers, houses, roads, hospitals, bridges etc.

2. Social Environment: This type of post – natal environment is otherwise known as "socio - cultural environment". This deals with interpersonal relationship. In other words, it is people's interaction with one another as a community. This interaction necessarily involves cultural regulation. Social environment is sub-divided in two:

(i) Primary Social Group: This is a group of people who are closely related. They have a very high degree of intimacy. It includes the family and playmates / peer group.

(ii) Secondary Social Group: This is a group of people whose members are not related by blood. It seeks to advance the interest of its members. Examples are trade unions, voluntary organizations, religious association, social clubs etc.

3. Political Environment: This type of post – natal environment refers to the prevalent political system or ideology in a place e.g. democracy, socialism, etc.

4. Education Environment: It implies the educational system predominant in a place. E.g. 6 -3 – 3 - 4, British Curriculum etc.

5. Demographic Environment: This type of post – natal environment as to do with the population features and policies. E.g. Sex composition, Age distribution etc.

6. Economic Environment: This type of post – natal environment refers the economic system adopted in a place. E.g. capitalism, mix economy, socialist economy etc.

7. Technological Environment: This type of post – natal environment is concerned with the technological system practiced, used or common in a place. E.g. lithic(i.e. stone) technology, ICT etc.
 HE INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENT ON LEARNING PROCESS

The following are some of the influence of environment on learning processes.
1. The environment provides a platform for learning to take place. We can not learn in a vacuum.
2. The environment determines the form of learning. It conditions the structure of learning. 
3. It informs the content of learning. 
4. It determines the length of learning.
5. It informs the objectives of learning.
6. It determines the success and failure of learning.
7. It regulates learning processes or program(s)
8. It conditions the end to which learning can be put
9. It enhances the learning process

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