The Physical Layout of the Classroom
- The concept of the physical learning environment with respect to physical structures relates to spaces, equipment and tools within the school.
- Advocates of designing/redesigning spaces that are more conducive to learning claim that benefits to teaching and learning practices and outcomes outweigh the short-term costs by promoting: ~Constructivist forms of active learning
~ Improving conceptual, theoretical and applied forms of learning
~ Increasing overall levels of student engagement
- In order for students to effectively learn and make it meaningful, their perception about the physical condition of their classroom mattered.
- Students say their motivation to learn will increase if their classroom physical learning environment is improved (ex: a neat and beautiful classroom with a conducive layout).
- Strategies:
~Flexible layout and furniture arrangement to facilitate individual, pair, and group work
Suggested classroom layouts for elementary, middle, and high school