Students have their own way of engaging with teachers in the classroom and learning. One of the factors that can have either a positive or negative impact on both is the design of the room. The lighting, acoustics, sound, and layout all play a role in helping or not helping students learn and engage.
Here are some of the factors that affect the performance of children in the classroom.
Natural light will always be the ideal option for classroom lighting. However, for some reason, it might get dark in the room, thus the need for artificial lighting. The classroom may need different kinds of lighting depending on the subject and projects. The proper lighting will help reduce students’ eye strain and also enable them to concentrate on classwork better.
The layout of the desks and chairs can affect the way students engage with each other and their teachers. It is important to create an atmosphere that allows kids to share their thoughts, answer questions, and have meaningful discussions. The semi-circle arrangement is gaining popularity because of its flowing layout. Students can interact with each other and their teacher more easily with this setting. Its unique setup may lead to better discussions and engagement in the classroom.
Air quality is important to make a classroom comfortable for students, helping them stay focused on their lessons. Poor ventilation can cause coughing, headaches, and other similar irritations. The effects are even worse for children suffering from asthma and other respiratory problems. This can affect the concentration and comfort of the students, which can lead to lower grades. Good classroom design can help improve air circulation and allow the temperature to settle at a comfortable level.
The right-sized chairs, tables, desks, and other pieces of furniture add to students’ learning experience because they affect comfort and concentration levels. Students need to be comfortable so that their concentration does not wane. Clutter is also a distraction, so make sure to add shelves or cabinets where children can store items they need for their class.
The acoustics of a classroom also has an impact on how students learn. The way they hear the voice of the teacher can affect their performance. If they mishear them, students can make mistakes and will not understand the day’s lessons. The right acoustics, on the other hand, reduces background noise and amplifies the voice of the teacher. The layout and design of a classroom will improve its acoustics.
The furnishing and décor of a classroom improve the learning experience, too. These act as unique pieces that stir students’ imagination. The colours and textures of a room can affect their mood and concentration. Both can also inspire and elicit the right responses from pupils.
The design of the classroom indeed has an impact on students. When you include the mentioned factors in a room plan, students will stay focused and engaged during lessons. These factors also help teachers focus on their work, facilitate the experience of their students, and create an environment conducive to learning.