Classroom design aids student learning

Despite curriculums, teaching standards and technologies changing immeasurably over the past 150 years, many of our schools’ classrooms still follow the same layout and design principles as Victorian-era schoolrooms. The only Dickensian influences in modern schools should be in literature classes and not in classroom design or décor.

Background research

A recent study by the University of Salford revealed that a student’s academic progress could be affected by classroom design by as much as 25% over one school year. A positive learning environment can improve progress and grades by a quarter in many students. By investigating 751 students across 34 different classroom environments, the study determined that 73% of student progress variation could be attributed directly to a building’s environmental factors.

The study measured the effect of design and environmental features as well as the facilities and amenities available to students. Profiling age, gender and performance level in maths, reading and writing at the beginning and end of an academic year, the research revealed almost unanimous above-average improvement in positive environments.

Progressive learning environments

Natural light, temperature, acoustics, colour schemes, layout and furnishings have all been found to have significant effect on the academic progress of students. This infographic by Innova Design Solutions, shows that these factors could enhance concentration, support learning and improve behaviour amongst students.  

Scandinavian influence

Schools throughout Scandinavia are eschewing the traditional features of classroom designs, implementing progressive features to provide more effective and efficient learning environments for their students. Starting from an early age, the Vittra Telefonplan school in Hägersten, Sweden, for pre-school children has removed classroom borders, allowing groups of children to utilise all of the facilities and functions of the school. Creating a less inhibiting environment, the school allows children to express themselves and feel comfortable within the classroom.

Similarly, the Ørestad Gymnasium in Copenhagen, Denmark has removed the walls from classrooms, allowing students to draw inspiration from neighbouring classes. The large, open-plan school benefits from improved acoustics and access to high levels of natural light.

The Future

Many children could benefit from investment in classroom design. With increasing competition for budget allocation, it is more important than ever for schools and academies to invest wisely in both the short-term and long-term progress of their students.