How classroom layout affects student learning

How classroom layout affects student learning

Schools are becoming increasingly aware of the potentially significant impact that classroom design can have on student learning. In part, this is thanks to new research that has highlighted the connection between classroom layout and pupil achievements.

Compelling figures

One study into this topic found that classroom setups can affect a youngster’s academic progress over the course of a year by as much as 25 per cent. The research, which was published in the journal Building and Environment, was undertaken by a team from the University of Salford and the architect company Nightingale Associates.

The year-long pilot study focussed on 715 pupils from seven local authority primary schools in Blackpool. Researchers collected data from each student, including their age, gender and performance level in subjects such as maths, reading and writing at the start and end of the academic year. They also evaluated the children’s classroom environments, taking into account issues such as natural light, orientation, noise, temperature, storage facilities and flexibility of space.

They concluded that 73 per cent of the variation in pupil performance driven at the class level was explained by the building environment factors they had measured.

If you’re feeling inspired to create superb learning spaces for the children in your school, take a look at these top tips.

Teacher desks

No classroom is complete without a teacher desk. Ideally, this should be located close to the whiteboard and in full view of the whole class. However, it’s important to bear in mind that rather than spending most of their time sitting or standing behind these items, teachers can benefit from walking around their classrooms. This helps to keep students engaged and can stop their concentration from wandering. It also enables teachers to assist pupils who are struggling.

Student desks

To make it easy for teachers, and others, to move freely about classrooms, it’s a good idea to leave plenty of floor space free. This means it’s better to group students’ desks together rather than disperse them throughout the room.

There are a number of different layouts to choose from. For example, you may favour rows. These setups can help ensure that all pupils have a good view of the whiteboard and it can also minimise off-task discussions. However, it’s not ideal for group work. Another option is to place desks in clusters. These arrangements are perfect for project work and discussions, but bear in mind that they can make it hard for teachers to establish eye contact with students from the front of the room.

If possible, you should leave enough floor space in your classroom to allow your students to gather together for tasks such as quiet reading, games and discussions.

 

Plenty of storage

Plenty of good quality storage is a must in these environments too. You will need somewhere to keep all of your students’ books, paperwork, stationery and other resources. Being able to tidy these items away neatly will help ensure teachers can maintain order in the rooms. In turn, this will benefit pupils’ concentration.

 

Attractive displays

As well as thinking carefully about furniture, it is necessary to consider the overall look of your classroom. For example, attractive displays can help to bring the spaces to life and they can fire youngsters’ imaginations. If possible, you should include students’ work in these displays as this can give them a real sense of pride.

Plenty of light is a must too. It’s important to maximise any natural light in the spaces and you can supplement this with good quality artificial lighting.

 

The payoff

Achieving an effective classroom layout does require some time and effort, but the payoff can be immense. It can help to enhance concentration, support learning, improve behaviour and enrich the relationships between students and staff members.

If you’re on the lookout for new tables, chairs, trays, drawers, bookcases or other similar items for your school, you can head to firms such as Furniture At Work™.

 

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