When we send our kids to school, we want them to be in the best possible environment for learning. The more comfortable and engaged they feel in school, the more they learn and expand their knowledge.

For anyone in the field of education, student outcomes are the most important indicators for success. Unfortunately, factors such as classroom layout tends to be overlooked. Fortunately, attitudes are changing, and people are realizing its worth.

The Connection Between Design & Learning

Classroom design and learning is a relatively new concept, which can be hard to believe. The environment we create in learning centres is vitally important for education. The better the design, the more engagement you get from pupils. No matter what age a student is, they will benefit greater from an ergonomic design that is there to enhance learning. Classroom architecture is essential, it is a core element that must be adapted to suit the needs of the students.

Research suggests that many things affect a student’s ability to learn, here are some examples:

• The air quality in the room
• The comfort and position of the seats and tables
• Lighting
• Students’ sense of ownership

A traditional classroom layout that has been there for decades must be transformed to improve the learning environment. There are plenty of skilled fit-out companies up and down the country who can change a classroom, turning it into a great place to learn new skills.

Classroom Layout

There have been lots of studies done on the layout of a classroom and how changing certain aspects can improve learning and boost engagement. The stereotypical layout usually consists of the teacher’s desk at the top or corner of the classroom and the student’s desk organised in neat rows, facing the top. 

New layout configurations now prove that the old methods of organising a classroom where counterproductive. Rearranging the rows of desks into group tables have far more benefits, some of which include:

• Active involvement with the teacher
• Collaboration between students
• Feeling more comfortable participating
• Similarity to real-life scenarios

Teacher centred furniture arrangements limits students and it contributes to a weaker learning environment.

Helping Students

Classroom architecture has the power to impact students in a positive or negative way, depending on the type of design. Students spend a lot of time in school, so their classrooms should be warm and welcoming. If a student does not feel comfortable in their surroundings, they will quickly lose interest and get bored.

The right type of classroom layout is also great for students with special needs and specific learning disabilities. There are many different ways to adapt a classroom to enhance the lives of the students.

All aspects of a classroom design make a difference, it is not just one area. You cannot enhance natural light and improve air quality but fail to change the arrangements of the seats. You do not have to be an expert in classroom architecture, there are lots of professional companies who specialise in that field. If you plan on upgrading, get in touch with a skilled fit-out team.