The impact of the classroom environment on student learning
In education, we know that many factors can lead to improved student learning in the classroom such as a strong universal curriculum, connections with teachers, and collective teacher efficacy. John Hattie’s research on the effects related to student achievement explores these factors and more, but often overlooked is the classroom environment’s impact on learning. The classroom environment can have a positive impact on behavior, discussion, deliberate practice, intervention, space, problem-solving teaching, creativity programs, and so much more!
In addition to helping students grow as learners and excel in the classroom, our jobs as educators are to prepare them with skills that will help them excel in their careers and life. The Future of Jobs Report 2023 from the World Economic Forum notes the importance of analytical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and active learning among other important skills.
To help develop these essential skills with students, we need to ensure our classrooms are equipped to support a variety of learning activities. This includes the furniture, technology, and visuals within the classroom environment. To provide opportunities for students to critically think, problem-solve, and be creative, we need to set up our classrooms to foster this. In short, we need to turn our classroom environments into active, flexible spaces. See the graphic below for my definition of an active, flexible classroom environment.
Before moving forward with redesigning all our classrooms to be active, flexible learning spaces, we planned and implemented a two-phase pilot to help determine specifically what tables, desks, and seats would best fit our vision. We started with three classrooms and then after collecting data for a year from students and teachers, adjusted the design based on our learnings as we expanded our pilot to additional classrooms in the following years.
During that year’s pilot, we collected data from observations, surveys, feedback forms, and interviews/discussions with students and teachers. The data below is from second-, fifth-, and high school students and staff. Below are our biggest takeaways on the impact active, flexible learning spaces had on student learning.
Students are better learners
Students identified being able to concentrate better, be better listeners, and communicate better by having choice and voice in where they sat so they chose places that worked best for them at that time and for that learning experience.
Students are more comfortable
Students expressed what they liked and didn’t like about the seating options. Being more comfortable in the classroom means more focus and stamina for learning!
Below is some narrative data from students in the pilot group.
Teachers become better facilitators of learning
Teachers could move around the room, teach from anywhere on any device, and not be tied to the front of the classroom. Workspaces could be easily moved and reconfigured to match the learning activities.
The benefits expressed by students and teachers in teaching and learning in an active, flexible classroom helped improve skills for learning in the classroom, but also in preparation for the workplace and life. We owe it to today’s learners to provide the best environments for learning and allow them to have the choice of what works best for them. We owe it to today’s educators to offer classrooms that can be utilized in a variety of ways to meet each of their diverse teaching styles. An active, flexible classroom can provide our students and teachers with just that!
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About the Author - Amy Uelmen
Amy serves as the Director of Instructional Technology for Pulaski Community School District in Wisconsin. With a rich background as a Library Media Specialist, Learning Support Teacher, and High School English Teacher, Amy has consistently focused on understanding and addressing the needs of student learners to ensure their success in school, life, and career. That focus has led her to see that learning is reliant on the alignment of best practices in instruction, useful and innovative technology resources, and a classroom environment that provides flexibility and mobility. In her current role, she has had the opportunity to envision, lead, and implement building renovation projects, classroom and library redesigns, classroom technology and student 1:1 programs, innovative library programming, and the administration of learning management suites and apps to support learning. Through these initiatives, Amy prioritizes professional development and ensures alignment with the district's vision for teaching and learning, resulting in increased engagement, empowerment, and improved student learning outcomes.
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