Like many teachers and educators, you might think it begins with motivating the kids or planning the perfect lesson.
But neither of these things is the most important factor when it comes to getting kids to learn.
Strange as it may sound…it's the room they learn in.
The design of your classroom has a bigger impact on how students learn, focus, and perform than you might realize.
And here's the crazy truth…
The average school classroom is designed in a way that actually decreases student performance. Rows of desks lined up in neat rows facing the front of the room may be streamlined. But learning isn't.
Let's dive into…
- The Science Behind Why Classroom Design Is Important
- 7 Elements of Classroom Design That Boost Performance
- Easy Things You Can Do To Improve Your Classroom
The Science Behind Why Classroom Design Is Important
Did you know that where your students learn could account for as much as 16% of their academic progress?
Most educators don't until they start looking into how physical learning spaces affect students.
According to one recent study in the UK, the way your classroom is built and designed can account for 16% of student progress.
Yep, you read that right. 16%.
Researchers analysed 153 classrooms in 27 different schools. And they looked at the academic progress of 3,766 primary school students between the ages of 5 and 11.
They found that classrooms that scored highly on these seven factors helped boost pupil progress.
The seven design factors were: light, temperature, air quality, ownership, flexibility, complexity and colour.
Working with trusted school furniture suppliers means you can rest easy knowing that your classroom seats are of the highest quality. Investing in furniture built to last ensures that you can create a comfortable classroom without breaking the bank.
Classrooms that allow children to feel comfortable, have places to focus, and access to natural light see better overall student performance.
The Science Behind Classroom Seating Furniture
Let's dive a little deeper into why seating specifically plays such a big role.
Think about the way classrooms have been traditionally set up.
Students sit in rows.
All facing forward.
They can't move around without getting up from their desks. And partnering with someone beside them is near impossible.
When did you last see students thrive in a classroom like this?
Traditional seating just doesn't allow for the kind of learning we see in schools today.
We know this because studies have shown it.
University of Minnesota research found that students participated 48% more in class discussions when flexible group seating was used instead of traditional lecture-style seating. Not only that, but their test scores increased as well.
When you give students choice in where and how they sit…
- They stay engaged.
- They focus better.
- They take ownership of their learning.
Flexible seating like stability balls, standing desks, and group pods allows kids to do just that.
7 Elements of Classroom Design That Boost Performance
Alright, so we know that classroom design is important.
We also know that flexible seating plays a big role in how engaged students stay while they're learning.
But what else should you be looking for?
What else makes for a classroom that supports how students learn?
Natural Lighting
Want to instantly increase student performance?
Maximise natural light in your classroom.
Students who learn in classrooms with the highest levels of natural light performed better than students in classrooms with lower levels.
Natural light helps regulate our sleep cycles. It keeps us alert during the day and helps us feel happier too.
If your classroom lacks natural lighting, try to use full spectrum light bulbs that mimic natural lighting as best you can.
Air Quality and Temperature
Air quality.
Air quality might not be the first thing you think of when planning your classroom layout.
But hear this out.
We all know how quickly a classroom can fill with germs when you've got 30+ kids in one room.
But did you know that just by breathing, students deplete air quality in classrooms?
When CO2 levels are too high because there isn't enough fresh air being circulated, students lose their ability to concentrate.
Proper ventilation is important for keeping students focused.
Don't run your classroom too hot or too cold either. Rooms that are the correct temperature help students learn better than if they are too warm or too cool.
Flexible Seating
Ok, we talked about this already.
Desks should be moveable.
They shouldn't all be the same height.
You should be able to create spaces for group work as well as individualized learning.
Whatever furniture you choose, make sure you can adapt your space to the activity you're doing.
Students sit still enough when they're learning. They don't need furniture that discourages movement.
Ownership
Ever walk into a classroom that looks like it was crammed for Christmas?
Posters everywhere. Tape covering half the walls. Papers stuck to the board.
Now walk into a classroom that's equally as full but where the students have had some input.
Let kiddos choose what posters to put up. Let them display their work on the walls. Allow them to help design and set up the room.
You'll quickly notice that students engage more when they feel like the classroom they are in is theirs.
Easy Things You Can Do To Improve Your Classroom
Thinking about redoing your entire classroom?
Start small.
You don't have to go out and buy new furniture to make a big impact.
Try these tips and tricks to improve student performance today.
Simple Things You Can Do To Improve Classroom Design
- Open those windows. Not only will this help improve air quality but it also allows more natural light in.
- Bring in some flexible seating. This doesn't mean you have to get rid of all your desks. Try a couple of wiggle seats or standing desks.
- Create zones. Designate different areas for group work and individual work. Maybe even a reading corner!
- Post student work. Hang up kids work as often as you can. This helps create ownership.
- Air it out. Open your windows often to allow fresh air to circulate.
You might be thinking…
"But Mrs. Smith has been teaching in that windowless classroom for 20 years. Her students love her, and they all do great on tests!"
True, some teachers overcome a negative learning environment.
But do they have to?
When you create a classroom that supports how students learn, everyone wins.
And you don't need to spend a fortune to start making improvements.
Begin with the changes you can control. Then, as you can, start incorporating flexible seating into your classroom.
Your students will thank you with better focus and higher engagement. Not to mention better academic performance.
And if that's not a great return on investment, what is?
