In the learning process, there
are determinants if the students do really learn as or not. Factors such as the
ability and effectiveness of the instructor, the method of instruction, the
attentiveness of students… But did you know that the furniture arrangement in
the classroom affects learning too? Yes it does.
A classroom is called as the
learning environment of both teachers and students. The former has the control
over the classroom setting while the latter are in one way, is controlled by
classroom environment and its elements. According to recent studies, teachers
hold dominion over their classroom environment- they even make it personalized
in most cases. Teachers believe that through this, they are able to control the
social interaction among students. If the classroom is being set in such a way
that students would be able to feel free and comfortable, the teacher could ask
them or encourage them to participate in much easier means.
Sensory stimulation is another
effect of a good classroom setting. For children, it is easier to learn in a
very appealing classroom- like the elements of the things that would appeal to
the senses are there. Pictures, colors, sound, and so forth. The arrangement of
furniture affects space allocation and space allocation has effects to the
learning atmosphere. If the classroom looks narrow and small for students, they
feel restricted and they do not interact well. On the other hand, if a
classroom provides adequate space, students feel that there is space for
interaction.
“Many teachers and administrators tend to focus on pedagogical and
interpersonal issues, ignoring the physical-spatial context in which the
teaching-learning process occurs.” (Loughlin & Suina, 1982; Weinstein,
1981). As observed, this is indeed true. What is a class of seemingly smart
students when a classroom seems too dark for interaction?
In modern times, technology is being integrated to the curricula. On the
other hand, if the classroom setting is not improved in such a way that it will
not create an atmosphere of participation, it is useless.
By tradition, classroom arrangements come in two patterns: the
territorial and the functional arrangements. In a territorial set-up, desks are
arranged by ownership while in the functional, they are arranged according to
the tasks in an activity. Both may be effective as long as external factors are
considered well.
It is surprising to know that furniture arrangement affects learning-
but indeed, it is true.
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