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The Classroom Conundrum:
Teachers classroom designs impact student learning Written by Sally McDonnell Here at Eagle Valley, the classrooms take on a myriad different styles. From the traditional desks-inrows to clusters to classrooms without any desks at all, it can seem as if each room has a personality all its own. The variation in classroom styles may seem relatively normal to the EVHS student body, but can these seemingly insignificant differences actually impact the success of students in those classrooms? According English teacher Dwenna Nelson, it undoubtedly can. Nelson’s classroom is one of the most unique with all the
desks substituted with a variety of large, comfortable chairs instead. “Having a comfortable seat is one step closer to having a comfortable environment,” Nelson said. She wants all of her students to feel as though her classroom is an open, welcoming space to them, and having chairs instead of desks, “gives them one less thing to worry about” when starting a new semester, she says. Not only does classroom design have the potential to influence students’ sense of belonging, it also can
Mr. Pyle’s classroom features a hybrid of desks-in-rows and table groupings. Photo by Denali Boyd
Ms. Nelson’s classroom features alternative seating and is a comfortable learning space for students. Photo by Denali Boyd
affect their academic success in a class. Math teacher Mr. Jeff Pyle has his classroom set up in a series of table groups, with each one located right next to a whiteboard. Pyle states that setting up his classroom this way has, “definitely helped students because they are able to collaborate with each other and ask questions,” which is especially valuable in math classes, where students often tend to struggle academically. Classroom design is a major part of the learning environment, and
students themselves notice a difference in their overall comfort and academic motivation based on their location.
“I learn a lot better when the classroom environment is more interactive and unique, it makes me more interested in what we are doing,” Maddie Capan ‘20 said. Though it may seem like just a small detail in the greater scheme of learning, classroom design clearly makes a difference in students’ academic success and comfort in school.
