The Science of Classroom Design
Our comprehensive, all-in, research-based look at the design of effective learning spaces.
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Go to My Saved Content.When a team of researchers led by University of Salford professor Peter Barrett analyzed the design of 153 classrooms across 27 elementary schools in the United Kingdom, they went all in and kept it real, taking measurements and making observations of seating arrangements, wall decorations, and often-overlooked ambient factors such as lighting, temperature, acoustics, and air quality—all inside real classrooms.
Good classrooms should be “designed to make attending school an interesting and pleasurable experience,” the researchers enthused, balancing visual stimulation with comfort and a sense of ownership. Combined, these classroom design elements accounted for 16 percent of the variation in students’ academic progress.
We tried to take a similar approach, getting beyond the more obvious classroom design factors to survey the science of learning environments more comprehensively. Not everything in this list is within a teacher’s purview—you can’t very well open your walls and let in more sunlight, at least not without a good saw and the district’s permission—but we tried to identify factors that might be addressed within classrooms immediately, or within school or district budgets over a longer term.
LIGHT
“Lighting is one of the most critical physical characteristics in a learning space,” researchers explain in a 2020 review of 130 studies. Poor lighting not only makes it harder to see materials clearly but also can dampen engagement, especially for students with developmental disabilities. Good lighting, on the other hand, has a significant impact across many dimensions of successful learning, including “attention rates, working speed, productivity, and accuracy, among other reported effects.”
If you have outside-facing windows, try to allow as much natural sunlight into your room as possible, researchers suggest in a 2021 study. After analyzing over two dozen variables, from lighting type (artificial, sunlight, or a mix) to window size and window shades in 53 European schools, they concluded that lighting is “a strong enabler of performance, which is crucial for child development.”
There was one notable wrinkle: Too much direct sunlight impaired test scores, the researchers found. You might consider using shades or window decorations to prevent glare from entering the classroom, especially when students are focused on screens or paper for longer periods of time.
VENTILATION AND AIR QUALITY
When three coal-fired power plants closed at about the same time in Chicago, Illinois, the downwind effects in schools were significant. “For the typical elementary school in our sample,” researchers studying the shutdowns reported, there was a 7 percent reduction in student absences, translating “into around 372 fewer absence-days per year.” Students in classrooms with poor air-conditioning saw outsized improvements after the plants closed, indicating that school ventilation and air-purifying systems had been keeping kids healthier and in school more often. Two years later, a study analyzing pollution data from over 10,000 U.S. school districts found a direct link to academic performance, concluding that elevated levels of particulate matter in the air—dust or soot, for instance—lead to reduced test scores.
Installing air-conditioning, better HVAC systems, or new windows is the responsibility of administrators and district leaders, but there are simpler measures teachers can take. Researchers, for example, found that carbon dioxide, a by-product of human breathing, steadily accumulated in classrooms over the course of the day—readings were often six times higher than the level that a 2015 Harvard study linked to substantial declines in higher-order thinking.
“If air quality is OK at the start of the class, it won’t be by the end unless you do something,” according to Barrett, whose team recorded the gas levels, when we interviewed him in 2018. The fix is easy enough: “You have to open a window or a door,” he suggested.
COMPLEXITY AND COLOR
There’s a difference between cluttered walls and visually stimulating ones. In a landmark 2015 study that was largely confirmed by two studies we recently reviewed (here and here), researchers found that students are more frequently off task when visual clutter overwhelms “their still-developing and fragile ability to actively maintain task goals and ignore distractions.”
The good news, as we recently reported, is that the studies tend to point to a commonsensical middle ground, where classrooms are neither too cluttered nor too austere: “Classroom decoration can alter academic trajectories, the research suggests, but the task shouldn’t stress teachers out,” we wrote. “The rules appear to be relatively straightforward: Hang academically relevant work on the walls, and avoid the extremes—working within the broad constraints suggested by common sense and moderation.”
Color palettes make a difference, too, according to a 2022 study. The same principle of moderation applies: Avoid extreme wall colors such as black or neon green, and opt for a pleasant mix of color across your walls, floor, and wall displays. Use a simple scheme, such as a single neutral color that’s accompanied by splashes of brightness, for example.
DATA WALLS
Some schools believe that data walls motivate students to try harder. The research casts doubt on that conclusion, especially at the margins—where struggling students need the most help.
Students in “the red zone” of public data walls are “often mocked or derided by other students for their poor performance,” researchers who reviewed 30 empirical studies on the topic explain in a 2020 review, dampening enthusiasm and confidence for kids who need it the most. Data walls can trigger “positive emotions such as pride, hopefulness, and joy, as well as negative feelings of stress, anxiety, or disappointment,” depending on where a student ranks in the list, the researchers asserted.
“The idea behind ‘data-driven decision-making’ is a good one,” explains assessment expert Lorrie Shepard. But even data walls that use an “anonymous ID number” are harmful to many students because kids “know what it means if they see themselves as a red or a yellow learner.”
The takeaway: Using data to inform instruction is good practice, but public displays or public ranking are neutral or beneficial for only a subset of higher-performing students.
NATURE, PLANTS, AND GREENERY
A classroom space that is conducive to learning should feel natural and fresh, not cramped and stuffy, researchers explain in a 2021 study. Views of nature and green spaces from windows appear to make a difference: “Students reported less stress and were more focused on a task in classrooms with more natural window views.” If you don’t have open spaces outside your window, you can bring in plants and other natural decorations—“students displayed stronger feelings of friendliness and comfort in the presence of these plants,” the researchers note.
When researchers added potted plants to high school classrooms, the older students also expressed more satisfaction in their surroundings, paid more attention in class, and rated the lessons and their teachers higher, a 2020 study found. “Incorporating indoor nature can thus improve students’ satisfaction with their study environment, which may positively influence retention and students’ beliefs about their academic performance,” the researchers concluded, though you can expect improvements to be modest.
REPRESENTATION
Students can experience representation in classrooms by seeing their own or peers’ artifacts on walls and in shared virtual spaces, or by being exposed to images and references that mirror their interests, passions, and backgrounds.
In a 2015 study, researchers explain that “intimate and personalized spaces are better for absorbing, memorizing and recalling information.” To help students see the classroom as a space they belong in, “you can use your walls to showcase your students’ nonacademic talents and activities,” writes special education math teacher Rachel Fuhrman. “It’s incredibly empowering for students… to see something they did or something they created on display in the space.”
Exposure to resonant cultural imagery on walls and in materials—what researchers often call the “symbolic classroom”—also appears to improve a sense of belonging and has positive effects on engagement and academic outcomes. In a 2014 review and a 2019 study, for example, researchers discovered that making culturally relevant adjustments to lessons—and displaying inspiring, inclusive posters and other visuals that mirrored student interests—helped students feel a greater sense of connection to their classroom learning and could boost final course performance by nearly a full letter grade.
FLEXIBILITY
Teachers sometimes chafe at so-called flexible classrooms that look like they were designed by the House of Dior. Beautiful classrooms, the teachers argue persuasively, are not necessarily successful learning environments, and flexibility as a standard of classroom design should be judged by factors like versatility (they support multiple uses) and modifiability (they allow for “active manipulation and appropriation”), according to one review of modern classrooms.
The research on flexible classroom design, meanwhile, is scarce but promising, we reported a few years back, with Peter Barrett’s team concluding that flexible classrooms were about as important as air quality, light, and temperature in boosting academic outcomes. Taken together, flexibility and a student’s “sense of ownership” account for just over a quarter of the academic improvements attributed to classroom design.
In the end, flexible classroom design contributes modestly to daily academic outcomes but has the benefit of durability: It works behind the scenes to improve learning for the entirety of the school year. If you’re interested in trying the approach, consider cheap options like rugs, standing desks, and reading nooks with pillows, and use the full range of seating alternatives to support independent and group learning, as the educational tasks demand.
Learning Differences and Neurodivergence
Out of the 7.3 million students with a disability in the U.S., about one in three has a learning disability or neurodevelopmental condition such as autism. For these students, who often have sensory or executive function issues, colorful, richly decorated environments may be perceived as a cacophony of visual noise, according to a 2021 study.
The study provides several research-based recommendations to guide teachers, which actually align nicely with the best research on general education environments:
- Align wall displays with the current topic so that “if students focus on the visual displays rather than the teacher, they will still be focusing on relevant information.”
- Use the front wall for daily materials such as a calendar and word walls.
- Create distinct activity areas—circle time, reading space, and desk work, for example—to help students transition between tasks.
- Be mindful of excessive brightness and glare. A partially shaded window can still allow natural light to enter the room, and carpets can block the glare from vinyl floors.
HEAT
Sweltering classrooms can have profound academic effects. In a 2018 study, researchers analyzed 10 million PSAT scores and found that a one-degree Fahrenheit rise in local temperature resulted in a corresponding 1 percent drop in test scores. While air-conditioning helped mitigate the impact, the researchers observed stark differences in the school infrastructure and funding: “We estimate that between three and seven percent of the gap in PSAT scores between White students and Black and Hispanic students can be explained by differences in the temperature environment,” the researchers concluded.
In a popular Reddit thread, teachers share their own ideas for dealing with hot classrooms. While it may seem counterintuitive, you can use fans to direct air into the hallway to regulate the air pressure in your own classroom—pulling cooler air from outside into your room, suggests a physics teacher. If you’re looking for fun art project ideas, you can replace some of your window shades with stained glass art to soften sun glare. Other teachers suggest turning off heat-generating electronic devices, such as computers and projectors.
ACOUSTICS/NOISE
Five decades ago, progressive schools began experimenting with open classrooms. In an attempt to create “a less authoritarian environment,” the classroom walls came down, ushering in an era that promised “a greater range of learning methodologies and group sizes,” according to a 2023 study. But the results fell far short. Students in the open classrooms read half as fast as their peers in the traditional classrooms, largely because the open layouts were acoustical chaos and probably “require a significantly higher degree of listening effort.”
When deep focus is needed for independent learning, there’s really no substitute for quiet spaces—and conveying information orally only works when kids can discern who is speaking and what they’re saying. “Effective listening is a linchpin of school learning,” researchers assert in a 2013 study.
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
Should you assign seats or let kids choose? Several recent studies arrived at what appear, superficially, to be conflicting conclusions. One 2021 study found that assigned seating can forge new friendships between students who would otherwise never bond. Another, published in 2013, suggests that intentionally separating close friends can reduce classroom disruptions by as much as 70 percent.
The contradiction is easily reconciled in light of other research that finds that it’s best to think of classroom seating arrangements within the context of learning goals. While there’s some evidence that elementary school children are most attentive when they are arranged in semicircles—as opposed to rows or clusters—the best arrangements should match the learning task. For more collaborative work, small clusters of desks or standing arrangements are best, the researchers suggest, while for independent work the oft-demonized row arrangements work well. Likewise, friends can be seated together or apart, depending on the teacher’s immediate objectives.
Finally, consider the space between desks and configurations carefully, or find other ways to allow for movement during the day. Dozens of studies reveal that brain breaks and movement breaks are underestimated as methods to improve engagement, behavior, and learning outcomes.
LEARNING ZONES
In a 2019 study, researchers made the case for creating multiple learning zones in your classroom—a main space for teacher-centered instruction and several smaller areas that can be rotated throughout the school year that involve “students actively working on learning tasks and reflecting on their work, apart from watching, listening, and taking notes.”
Such classrooms often resulted in “improved measurable student learning outcomes, whether those outcomes are traditional quantitative measures such as exams and course grades or measures of ‘21st century skills.’”
Using learning zones can be a low-cost approach to tailoring instruction to meet the needs of students, according to a 2020 study that encompassed 610 elementary and middle school classrooms. The researchers point to a growing body of research suggesting that learning zones have a wide range of benefits, allowing teachers to improve transitions, facilitate differentiated instruction, and motivate and engage students more effectively.
“Don’t let a small classroom be your kryptonite,” writes former teacher and principal Veronica Lopez. “You can set up a learning zone in a bookcase, on a shelf, on one bulletin board, or on a small desk or table.”
24 Comments
July 30, 2024
Steve, Youki – A question came up on social media about the “back of the room.” Is there any guidance on where and how to keep books, learning centers, storage, and/or supplies?
You marked this comment useful.
July 30, 2024
@Samer R – There are a couple of main takeaways from the research on the “back of the room.” First, a well-organized classroom with clearly defined spaces can help students (particularly neurodivergent ones) stay more focused and better regulate their own behavior.
Second, well-organized classrooms help make transitions between activities go more smoothly, optimizing learning time.
Links to studies:
https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2024.2341643
https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2022.2106766
Other resources:
https://www.edutopia.org/article/decluttering-your-classroom/
https://www.edutopia.org/article/4-ways-classroom-design-impacts-executive-functioning/
https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/di/cresource/q3/p10/
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July 28, 2024
Thank you all for this discussion. I am entering my 31st year as a high school Health and Physical Education teacher at Washington State. Half of my teaching schedule has me in the classroom teaching Health Education. We gave it a try after reading an article last spring about L-shaped designs for tables in the classroom. What a difference it made in giving all students a clear view of the front whiteboard and movement for me as the teacher throughout my room improved. I also feel the L-shape helped during group work and turn-talk discussions.
I’ve debated starting the new semester with assigned seats or student choice. I’ve noticed that when I assign the seats (say by alpha) early on in the semester, our class discussions are not as good for some reason. However, if I let students choose, there tend to be more distractions to deal with because friends tend to talk to each other more. I’m curious about what other secondary teachers have done for seating charts.
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July 29, 2024
@Darin N – I started with assigned seats so we could learn names and because I find that it decreases the level of social complexity in the room in those first few days while we build shared agreements and do our initial culture-setting work together. I was really transparent with the kids that the assignments were temporary and that we’d shift to a more flexible arrangement as soon as we were able to agree on and settle into our processes, norms, and expectations. Usually, within a week or two we were able to get back to more flexible seating, but sometimes I’d move them back to assigned seats if it started seeing more stress reactive behaviors (fight, flight, flock, freeze, fawn).
You marked this comment useful.
July 31, 2024
@Darin N – I’ve always done both — I start with assigned seats because I need to figure out who they all are before I let them choose (control freak or 30 years of experience? 😬 not sure which). I also sympathize with students who get really anxious when they walk into a class, don’t know where to sit and have social concerns.
But even though we start each class period with assigned seats (quick and easy attendance), I usually let them move to sit near friends during work time or even discussion time, as you mentioned. And that’s when I saw the benefits: they were much more willing to work hard when they felt their seating preferences were honored. It worked well for all of us to keep those options within class periods.
You marked this comment useful.
July 25, 2024
Thankyou for sharing your article. I too find that I have to fund my own classroom design (even down to ordering neutral backing). Each classroom is only allowed 1 fan (again self bought).
I love the idea of flexible classrooms (Indonmove things around quite a bit).
My challenge is in the new term I will have to seat 36. There will be no room to move allowing me to even access the pupils as they work. This year I had 24 pupils and it was a tight squeeze but doable. But to now make space for 12 more is a huge challenge. I have a carpeted area which I think I am going to have to lose and place desks on top.
Any advice welcome.
You marked this comment useful.
July 25, 2024
@Nelly G – I’m sorry you’re having to fund much of your room design. I’m not sure what grade level you teach, but I’ve found flexible seating to take no more space. With the right options, flexible seating can be done in any size classroom and can even create MORE open space if done thoughtfully. Obviously, a couch, bunk bed, or canoe aren’t going to create space. Ha! However, stand-up desks, wiggle cushions, wobble stools, and keeling desks take up no more space than traditional workspaces. Students of all ages love sitting in nooks and crannies around classrooms on carpet squares or cushions on the floor, behind bookcases, under tables, in front of closets, or even in the hall. Then there are many options that can be folded or stacked up like folding tables, bungee chairs, scoop rockers, or gaming rockers.
You marked this comment useful.
July 25, 2024
@Nelly G – I’ve got a few ideas for you for getting into flexible seating. My entry into flexible seating began 15 years ago by utilizing an old folding bench as a kneeling table, carpet squares in nooks around the room, $4 plastic gaming rockers, and a donated sofa table to use as a standing desk.
I suggest you establish a https://www.donorschoose.org project for your classroom. Keep it small this first time but clearly define your situation and how you are trying to transform your classroom. You’d be amazed at how many people are out there looking to fund through crowdfunding. I set one up for 5 wobble stools and got it funded within two months by anonymous donors in the region. I suggest always having a donors choose campaign set up. Because you never know who is looking to find education and every so often there are wealthy people who sometimes fund a whole county or even state worth of educational campaigns.
I have not spent a dime of my own money on my flexible seating. It certainly didn’t happen all at once, but I’ve used grants (private, DonorsChoose, and Federal REAP Rural funds) as well as added small amounts to my regular budget requests from time to time. Best of luck to you!
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July 26, 2024
@John T –
Hi John,
Thankyou for your advice. I work in Northern Ireland where we have strict rules regarding fire safety etc. We are not allowed to accept furniture etc unless approved.
I teach 10-11 year olds. I know parents would complain if each child does not have a designated work station and for that matter too, my Principal would not be happy to see some of my pupils behind bookcases or kneeling or under tables. Nor would ai be able to seek funding independently.
Our two systems seem to vary widely. But sincere thanks for thinking about my future situation.😊
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July 26, 2024
@Nelly G – OH I get it. We too have strict fire codes and all furniture needs to meet those standards. I wasn’t suggesting getting rid of a designated workspace, but the nooks and cranny areas were just break-out spaces students love to work in and provide a flexible space. All my students have desks (some are standing desks and some are kneeling desks per their preference) and we also have various areas around the room I call work nooks. They’re breakout spaces for students to have alternative areas to work in.
It’s too bad you may lose your carpeted open area. When arranging your classroom, are desks in rows all separated with space between each desk or are they grouped together?
You marked this comment useful.
July 26, 2024
@John T –
Generally I have a mix, most are in groups with some changes as and when required . 6×6 will be a tight squeeze but then so will rows. It leaves us zero room to move let alone drama space etc etc.
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July 18, 2024
I really enjoyed reading the insights about the data walls in classrooms. I see two perspectives with data walls, or as I would like to call them -GROWTH REMINDERS… Because I know that when my students set regular goals and have the opportunity to reflect, students are more successful in the school setting. I have found that visible cues of student growth propels the desire to keep growing to meet self designed goals. Data walls should be indicative of growth along the path to acheivement, but should be unique for each student. So, displaying students’ individual growth should be the focus of this visual reminder-whether you call it data wall vs growth wall. We all benefit from reminders of our goals.
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July 13, 2024
This article is informative. I especially love the idea of displaying student work that shows off their talents in other areas. But I wish that I had the space and resources to implement all of these classroom design ideas. I wish I had a wonderful green view out my 1 window. I also wish I had the space to have separate areas for both independent work and group work. Some of these ideas like having plants and rugs mean I am spending my own money to make that happen. The same with flexible seating. At the same time, I hope to implement many of these research based ideas that I feasibly can to help my students be successful.
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July 14, 2024
@Shannon M – I know how hard it is to try to make a sterile classroom a more welcoming space. We don’t have enough resources. But with flexible seating, I just let kids move their desks when it was time for them to work quietly. Sometimes that meant they could move near a friend if they could work well near each other. I also got donations of carpet squares from a local flooring store. I was so surprised to see 8th graders eagerly grabbing a square so they could sit UNDER their desks! Had no idea that was something they would want to do. So giving them those options (without much work on my part) really made a difference to them. Please don’t spend your own money!
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June 16, 2024
I love this article and proves to me that my ideas of a safe and engaging classroom feel like home, which is always my goal. I love that this list includes greenery and nature. I am going to use this post to purchase plants for my classroom. I am hoping for 12 in my home and 12 in my classroom.
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November 22, 2023
I loved reading this blog post and I feel it supports me in many ways because it allows me to keep in mind some of these factors. I never necessarily thought of heat being a factor for impacting student learning. My classroom is constantly hot especially as the weather changes, I usually try to have fans going and windows open to get natural air going and flowing to keep it cool and now I will continue to do so to keep my students’ attention and hopefully help to positively impact their education so they are not as hot in there. I learned so many things from this!
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November 13, 2023
This article supports me in having a better view of the difficulties our students suffer with inadequate spaces. That’s a million.
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November 8, 2023
Thank you for this comprehensive. It supports my own research to my design elements related to brain development. Thank you.
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November 6, 2023
This is such a thorough collection of studies covering all areas of design within a classroom setting. The research backs my efforts towards good air quality, excellent lighting options, and a balanced approach to designing what is on the walls.
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November 6, 2023
The lastest study I see referenced in the aritcle is 2023, but it appears to have used data colleced pre-pandemic. Post-pandemic studies are a ways off.
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November 5, 2023
I enjoyed reading this article and appreciate how it incorporates multiple studies around this topic. I would curious to know more about what the research says on classroom design at the middle school level post-pandemic.
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November 6, 2023
Hi there. I’m one of the authors of this piece. I’ll take a look around, but thus far I’ve not seen anything that tackles classroom design post-pandemic and comes to any different conclusions. Not yet, anyway. I’ll keep my eyes open.
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November 18, 2023
Hello, is there any research regarding anchor charts? Our district makes them mandatory for each lesson, are they beneficial?
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November 7, 2023
I too would like to know more about middle school post pandemic. It seems like it’s a whole new world and we need ideas!
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24 Comments
Share your ideas and questions.
Join our community or log in to comment.July 30, 2024
Steve, Youki – A question came up on social media about the “back of the room.” Is there any guidance on where and how to keep books, learning centers, storage, and/or supplies?
You marked this comment useful.
July 30, 2024
@Samer R – There are a couple of main takeaways from the research on the “back of the room.” First, a well-organized classroom with clearly defined spaces can help students (particularly neurodivergent ones) stay more focused and better regulate their own behavior.
Second, well-organized classrooms help make transitions between activities go more smoothly, optimizing learning time.
Links to studies:
https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2024.2341643
https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2022.2106766
Other resources:
https://www.edutopia.org/article/decluttering-your-classroom/
https://www.edutopia.org/article/4-ways-classroom-design-impacts-executive-functioning/
https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/di/cresource/q3/p10/
You marked this comment useful.
July 28, 2024
Thank you all for this discussion. I am entering my 31st year as a high school Health and Physical Education teacher at Washington State. Half of my teaching schedule has me in the classroom teaching Health Education. We gave it a try after reading an article last spring about L-shaped designs for tables in the classroom. What a difference it made in giving all students a clear view of the front whiteboard and movement for me as the teacher throughout my room improved. I also feel the L-shape helped during group work and turn-talk discussions.
I’ve debated starting the new semester with assigned seats or student choice. I’ve noticed that when I assign the seats (say by alpha) early on in the semester, our class discussions are not as good for some reason. However, if I let students choose, there tend to be more distractions to deal with because friends tend to talk to each other more. I’m curious about what other secondary teachers have done for seating charts.
You marked this comment useful.
July 29, 2024
@Darin N – I started with assigned seats so we could learn names and because I find that it decreases the level of social complexity in the room in those first few days while we build shared agreements and do our initial culture-setting work together. I was really transparent with the kids that the assignments were temporary and that we’d shift to a more flexible arrangement as soon as we were able to agree on and settle into our processes, norms, and expectations. Usually, within a week or two we were able to get back to more flexible seating, but sometimes I’d move them back to assigned seats if it started seeing more stress reactive behaviors (fight, flight, flock, freeze, fawn).
You marked this comment useful.
July 31, 2024
@Darin N – I’ve always done both — I start with assigned seats because I need to figure out who they all are before I let them choose (control freak or 30 years of experience? 😬 not sure which). I also sympathize with students who get really anxious when they walk into a class, don’t know where to sit and have social concerns.
But even though we start each class period with assigned seats (quick and easy attendance), I usually let them move to sit near friends during work time or even discussion time, as you mentioned. And that’s when I saw the benefits: they were much more willing to work hard when they felt their seating preferences were honored. It worked well for all of us to keep those options within class periods.
You marked this comment useful.
July 25, 2024
Thankyou for sharing your article. I too find that I have to fund my own classroom design (even down to ordering neutral backing). Each classroom is only allowed 1 fan (again self bought).
I love the idea of flexible classrooms (Indonmove things around quite a bit).
My challenge is in the new term I will have to seat 36. There will be no room to move allowing me to even access the pupils as they work. This year I had 24 pupils and it was a tight squeeze but doable. But to now make space for 12 more is a huge challenge. I have a carpeted area which I think I am going to have to lose and place desks on top.
Any advice welcome.
You marked this comment useful.
July 25, 2024
@Nelly G – I’m sorry you’re having to fund much of your room design. I’m not sure what grade level you teach, but I’ve found flexible seating to take no more space. With the right options, flexible seating can be done in any size classroom and can even create MORE open space if done thoughtfully. Obviously, a couch, bunk bed, or canoe aren’t going to create space. Ha! However, stand-up desks, wiggle cushions, wobble stools, and keeling desks take up no more space than traditional workspaces. Students of all ages love sitting in nooks and crannies around classrooms on carpet squares or cushions on the floor, behind bookcases, under tables, in front of closets, or even in the hall. Then there are many options that can be folded or stacked up like folding tables, bungee chairs, scoop rockers, or gaming rockers.
You marked this comment useful.
July 25, 2024
@Nelly G – I’ve got a few ideas for you for getting into flexible seating. My entry into flexible seating began 15 years ago by utilizing an old folding bench as a kneeling table, carpet squares in nooks around the room, $4 plastic gaming rockers, and a donated sofa table to use as a standing desk.
I suggest you establish a https://www.donorschoose.org project for your classroom. Keep it small this first time but clearly define your situation and how you are trying to transform your classroom. You’d be amazed at how many people are out there looking to fund through crowdfunding. I set one up for 5 wobble stools and got it funded within two months by anonymous donors in the region. I suggest always having a donors choose campaign set up. Because you never know who is looking to find education and every so often there are wealthy people who sometimes fund a whole county or even state worth of educational campaigns.
I have not spent a dime of my own money on my flexible seating. It certainly didn’t happen all at once, but I’ve used grants (private, DonorsChoose, and Federal REAP Rural funds) as well as added small amounts to my regular budget requests from time to time. Best of luck to you!
You marked this comment useful.
July 26, 2024
@John T –
Hi John,
Thankyou for your advice. I work in Northern Ireland where we have strict rules regarding fire safety etc. We are not allowed to accept furniture etc unless approved.
I teach 10-11 year olds. I know parents would complain if each child does not have a designated work station and for that matter too, my Principal would not be happy to see some of my pupils behind bookcases or kneeling or under tables. Nor would ai be able to seek funding independently.
Our two systems seem to vary widely. But sincere thanks for thinking about my future situation.😊
You marked this comment useful.
July 26, 2024
@Nelly G – OH I get it. We too have strict fire codes and all furniture needs to meet those standards. I wasn’t suggesting getting rid of a designated workspace, but the nooks and cranny areas were just break-out spaces students love to work in and provide a flexible space. All my students have desks (some are standing desks and some are kneeling desks per their preference) and we also have various areas around the room I call work nooks. They’re breakout spaces for students to have alternative areas to work in.
It’s too bad you may lose your carpeted open area. When arranging your classroom, are desks in rows all separated with space between each desk or are they grouped together?
You marked this comment useful.
July 26, 2024
@John T –
Generally I have a mix, most are in groups with some changes as and when required . 6×6 will be a tight squeeze but then so will rows. It leaves us zero room to move let alone drama space etc etc.
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July 18, 2024
I really enjoyed reading the insights about the data walls in classrooms. I see two perspectives with data walls, or as I would like to call them -GROWTH REMINDERS… Because I know that when my students set regular goals and have the opportunity to reflect, students are more successful in the school setting. I have found that visible cues of student growth propels the desire to keep growing to meet self designed goals. Data walls should be indicative of growth along the path to acheivement, but should be unique for each student. So, displaying students’ individual growth should be the focus of this visual reminder-whether you call it data wall vs growth wall. We all benefit from reminders of our goals.
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July 13, 2024
This article is informative. I especially love the idea of displaying student work that shows off their talents in other areas. But I wish that I had the space and resources to implement all of these classroom design ideas. I wish I had a wonderful green view out my 1 window. I also wish I had the space to have separate areas for both independent work and group work. Some of these ideas like having plants and rugs mean I am spending my own money to make that happen. The same with flexible seating. At the same time, I hope to implement many of these research based ideas that I feasibly can to help my students be successful.
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July 14, 2024
@Shannon M – I know how hard it is to try to make a sterile classroom a more welcoming space. We don’t have enough resources. But with flexible seating, I just let kids move their desks when it was time for them to work quietly. Sometimes that meant they could move near a friend if they could work well near each other. I also got donations of carpet squares from a local flooring store. I was so surprised to see 8th graders eagerly grabbing a square so they could sit UNDER their desks! Had no idea that was something they would want to do. So giving them those options (without much work on my part) really made a difference to them. Please don’t spend your own money!
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June 16, 2024
I love this article and proves to me that my ideas of a safe and engaging classroom feel like home, which is always my goal. I love that this list includes greenery and nature. I am going to use this post to purchase plants for my classroom. I am hoping for 12 in my home and 12 in my classroom.
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November 22, 2023
I loved reading this blog post and I feel it supports me in many ways because it allows me to keep in mind some of these factors. I never necessarily thought of heat being a factor for impacting student learning. My classroom is constantly hot especially as the weather changes, I usually try to have fans going and windows open to get natural air going and flowing to keep it cool and now I will continue to do so to keep my students’ attention and hopefully help to positively impact their education so they are not as hot in there. I learned so many things from this!
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November 13, 2023
This article supports me in having a better view of the difficulties our students suffer with inadequate spaces. That’s a million.
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November 8, 2023
Thank you for this comprehensive. It supports my own research to my design elements related to brain development. Thank you.
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November 6, 2023
This is such a thorough collection of studies covering all areas of design within a classroom setting. The research backs my efforts towards good air quality, excellent lighting options, and a balanced approach to designing what is on the walls.
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November 6, 2023
The lastest study I see referenced in the aritcle is 2023, but it appears to have used data colleced pre-pandemic. Post-pandemic studies are a ways off.
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November 5, 2023
I enjoyed reading this article and appreciate how it incorporates multiple studies around this topic. I would curious to know more about what the research says on classroom design at the middle school level post-pandemic.
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November 6, 2023
Hi there. I’m one of the authors of this piece. I’ll take a look around, but thus far I’ve not seen anything that tackles classroom design post-pandemic and comes to any different conclusions. Not yet, anyway. I’ll keep my eyes open.
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November 18, 2023
Hello, is there any research regarding anchor charts? Our district makes them mandatory for each lesson, are they beneficial?
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November 7, 2023
I too would like to know more about middle school post pandemic. It seems like it’s a whole new world and we need ideas!
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