Classroom Environment Changes

Within NPS Senior Syndicate a small group of year 4/5/6 teachers looked at classroom environments, classroom spaces/areas that could enhance children’s learning and empower children to make choices with their learning.

The main purpose of this research was to identify if there is a relationship between classroom learning environment and students’ engagement with their learning. In order to achieve the main purpose we must conducted an action research study. This approach is a good way to find out a practical solution to the research question. 

We would also like to find out what relevant research states and what schools, both new and old, use at primary level. How do they cater for the needs of the classroom and the children, do they have adequate storage spaces for both teachers and students, comfortable seating and good quality desks, have good quality computer access and general quality of the learning environment, use of wall space to display students’ work and topical posters, accessible and well maintained toilets, recreation and socialisation spaces for students and support spaces for teachers.

We wanted to find out how flexiable a room and desk layout can be, and the ability to change the room when needed. Is it important that the shape can be adapted to provide for a range of teaching activities, lesson types, etc.

Do we have the ability to create separate specialist areas within the bigger space. This would include the opportunity for work centres, group work, withdrawal groups, study bays, tables with special resources displayed, computer area, etc.