Natural lighting encourages students to participate rather than doze off.
In recent years, there has been considerable emphasis on researching how schools can design a more inclusive learning environment. The physical space and design of your classroom plays a huge role in student activity and participation. Classroom arrangements largely determine how inclusion will happen, so it’s important to cater your design to be as inclusive as possible. Here are a few things teachers are doing to facilitate inclusion in their classroom.
Position Student Desks in Groups – Positioning desks in clusters of 2-4 is an essential way to encourage cooperative learning, collaboration and discussion. Keep the teacher’s desk on the periphery, as they are rarely needed during the day and just end up taking valuable space from students.
Accessible Learning Areas – If you have materials and resources you’d like to share with your students, make sure they are accessible. Don’t place books on high shelves. Keep in mind that just because you expect students to ask for help, doesn’t mean they will.
Balanced Classroom Decor – Classrooms need a balanced decor in order to feel comfortable and inviting. Too many colors, furniture, posters and clutter will lead to distraction and sensory overload. Too little decor and your classroom will feel cold, boring and prison-like. Some visual aides are necessary to attractive student attention and interest.
Create a “Meeting” Spot – Designate one area of your classroom where all students will come together to discuss, develop social skills, and participate in whole group activities. You will need space for all the students to gather.
Flexible Layouts – Classrooms need to be designed with a modular, flexible layout in mind. Not only does this enable you to create environments for personalized learning, but you can use the setup process as a group activity that gets everyone involved.
A Light-Filled Environment – Natural light is better than bright fluorescent lighting. Not only will it reduce student headaches and increase comfort, but studies show that learning rates improve between 7-26% in classrooms exposed to natural light. Students are more likely to participate if they feel comfortable.
Classroom Furniture from Glover Furniture
Looking to create a better classroom? Glover Furniture can help. Glover Furniture and Design Group is a woman-owned and operated business that serves the Delmarva region with educational, institutional, and commercial furniture and design services. For information on how we can optimize your office design, give us a call at 1-800-966-9016 or contact us online. To see examples of our work and stay in touch, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.