SPATIAL ENVIRONMENT
Classroom Environment Spatial Environment Active learning and flexible classrooms Classrooms involve multiple parameters that influence student learning. Architects have often used case studies or their own experience to create recommendations for better classroom design from the design perspective. For example, a study found a positive relationship between student success and the perceived quality of classrooms, front office and information technology, classroom conditions, and cleanliness. However, this study also found that offices and meeting rooms or closed environments created more negative student success results.212 Another study investigating the engagement levels of students in grades 9 to 12 found a significant effect of the physical environment on engagement and teaching practices for teachers and students. It concluded that space design made a difference and increased academic engagement.266 Some recommendations for the design of classrooms include incorporating small, quiet group study spaces with shared screens or other technology and larger, reconfigurable flat-floor rooms with movable furniture and room dividers. In addition, social spaces serving as lounge and informal study areas and makerspaces for hands-on craft and experimentation are also recommended.267 The differences between traditional classrooms and Active Learning Classrooms (ALC), which incorporate flexible furniture and technology, are among the most common issues under study regarding classroom arrangements. Some of the key design elements to designing classrooms for active learning are the versatility of learning space, interior design and learning environment, modern IT/AV technologies, interior lighting, comfortable furniture, acoustic design and interior temperature.268 Research has pointed out some of the benefits of ACL classrooms: increased studentto-student visibility to enhance interactions, improving acoustics, inspiring creativity, and using technology to enhance engagement.269 For example, a study found that ACL classrooms could improve students’ health by sitting less and spending more time standing and moving.232 In addition, research has found that physical activity benefits primary students’ academic behavior and academic performance.230 Some studies have found that students perform better in ALC.231–233 For example, a previous review found three studies that reported significant associations between flexible learning spaces and improvement in academic performance with moderate effects. They showed that academic results in English, math, humanities were higher in flexible spaces than in traditional classrooms.232 Similarly, a study in a university setting found that students in ALC’s outperformed those students in traditional classrooms, even when students in traditional classrooms initially had better scores.233 Behavior and engagement are also affected by classroom arrangements. For example, studies have found that adolescents in flexible learning spaces
36
NetZED Case Study Lab netzedlab.uoregon.edu
