Students spend 13 years of their lives in school, around 200 days a year. During these thousands of hours and days (amounting to around a full year’s worth of time), students will be within the same buildings and classrooms for the majority of their days.
Just as our environments can shape us, we can also shape our environments, and the right design elements can make all the difference in improving learning for students. In light of a new study, we’ve put together six design elements that can improve learning in schools.
Daylight
Several studies have proven that large windows can improve academic performance by 15%, thanks to increased daylight exposure and the views of the outside world. The warmth and brightness provided by larger windows are more stimulating to the mind, making them perfect for classrooms. You can find expert advice and services for school architects online, for example at https://www.quattrodesign.co.uk/sectors/school-education-architects/.
Temperature
Much like Goldilocks’ porridge, the temperature of a room must be just right: not too hot, not too cold. There isn’t a universal ‘ideal’ temperature, so adjustable options work best.
Classroom Design
Whilst daylight and temperature overlap with classroom design, some additional elements to consider include stimulation, individualisation and naturalness. These can be achieved through methods that appeal to students’ sense of ownership, such as displayed work, personalised elements (named coat pegs or drawers), and appropriately sized desks and chairs.
Acoustics
Keep the important sounds in, and the irrelevant and distracting sounds out. Sound insulation can boost the concentration, learning capability and mood of students. A quieter class also opens the table to easier communication and discussions.
Air Quality
Just like sound, poor-quality air can inhibit concentration and academic performance. Adjustable options for air, like skylights or regular windows that can be opened, are good choices, but even spacing out classes can help lower carbon dioxide concentration in classrooms, in turn clearing the air.
Stimulation
The layout, colours and information displayed in a classroom can all affect productivity. Over-stimulation can be distracting, but austere, monotone classrooms aren’t the solution either. Once again, it’s all about balance.
