Classroom Design & Pupil Learning in Ferndale

Results of a holistic, multi-level analysis

In 2015, a study was conducted of 153 classrooms in 27 schools in order to identify the impact of the physical classroom features on the academic progress of the 3,766 pupils who occupied each of those specific spaces. The results of this study confirm the utility of 3 overriding principles in learning environment design: Naturalness, Individuality, and Stimulation.

Naturalness

Clean air, comfortable temperatures, and natural light are the three key components of naturalness in classroom design.

Natural Daylight – Large windows, oriented away from direct light to reduce glare and temperature interference

Electric Light – Adequate, high-quality lighting with control

Sun Heat – Control over sun heat

Temperature Control – Consistent, easily controlled temperature

Ventilation (to reduce CO2) – adequate ventilation, either mechanical or through window opening

Links to Nature – Natural views and outdoor access - No Correlation Found in Study

Sound – Noise disturbances from traffic or hallway - No Correlation Found in Study

Planned Improvements

New infrastructure and more windows are the first place to look for improving naturalness in our classrooms. The sense of naturalness can also be affected by the technology and furniture within that space, and the way it works together in unique learning situations. For example, while flat desks fit together well for collaborative work, angled desktops are more comfortable for writing. Flexible furniture can do both.

Individualization

Flexibility and Ownerships are the key principles of individuality within a classroom, empowering students to learn in their own way.

Unique & Child-Centered Design – novel character of the room, personalized spaces for each child

Personal Displays by Children – Student work, constructions

Furniture – Comfortable, supportive of learning & teaching

Room Layout – Well-defined zones: greater number and play-based for younger students

Room Size – larger rooms, more varied shapes for younger students

Planned Improvements

Clusters of square desks may encourage collaboration within groups, but if there is not room to move around the room, students may feel discouraged to seek help from a familiar collaborator or a perceived expert elsewhere in the learning environment. These tight spaces can also interfere with the naturalness of a space. Bond funding would be spent on expanding classroom sizes at FMS and building 30% larger rooms for Lower Elementary students.

Level of Stimulation

Using bright colors and visually complex learning tools can stimulate the brain’s creative centers and increase academic performance.

Room & Display Diversity – Intermediate; not under-stimulating or overstimulating

Wall & Classroom Color – Light, warm colors with bright elements (furniture, carpet, displays)

Connection – Wide hallways with clear wayfinding - No Correlation Found in Study

Planned Improvements

Covering walls with construction paper and posters can feel very busy. Integrating visual stimulation into furniture, library, and classroom construction designs could harmonize the stimulation principles with the sense of naturalness that contributes more lasting positive benefits.

Read the whole study for more insight at » FerndaleSchools.org/DesignedForLearning