IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 1

THE IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN ON PUPILS’ LEARNING OF GRADE 6

PUPILS AT LEM-EHEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

AN ACTION RESEARCH

CANDAN, WENNY

GANDULAN, JOANALYN

LINGGAW, JULIET

MUDAL, JESSA

SAQUILLO, JANELLE MAE

SMAN, JOHNREY

SANTA CRUZ MISSION SCHOOL INC.

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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Classroom design plays a vital role in improving student learning outcomes. Classroom

design includes a number of elements such as physical space, layout, furniture, colors, and

lighting that have received increased interest and research in recent years on the impact of

classroom design on student learning outcomes. Traditionally, classroom design has been

considered unimportant and taken for granted, and little attention has been paid to its potential

impact on student achievement. But extensive research has begun to reveal the important role

classroom design plays in shaping student learning experiences and achievement.

The importance of effective classroom design has gained increased interest over the past

couple decades. Psychological and child development theories identify the importance students’

physical environment in creating positive effects on their engagement and achievement.

(McLaren, Ruddick, Edwards. Zobjeck, & McKeever, 2012).

Classroom design profoundly influences student engagement and concentration. A well-

designed classroom can stimulate curiosity, foster creativity, and promote effective learning.

Classroom elements like comfortable seating, organized layouts, and engaging educational

material work in harmony to create a conducive learning environment. Classroom design is a

IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 3

critical element in creating an effective learning environment. (Lipmann, Burns & McArthur

2016) Classroom design should be intentional and purposeful, incorporating elements such as

light, flexible spaces, comfortable furniture, and strategic use of colors. Research has shown that

classroom design can have a significant impact on student behavior, emotions, and cognitive

processes. Different classrooms and students have varying needs, and the classroom design

should be adapted to meet those needs.

Research has consistently shown that classroom design significantly impacts students'

learning. Barrett (2015) found that naturalness, individuality, and stimulation are key design

principles, with specific factors like light, temperature, air quality, ownership, flexibility,

complexity, and color playing a significant role. This study aims to know the impact of

classroom design with the help of research instruments to know how it impacts on pupils’

learning.
IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 4

Conceptual Framework

This study was based on concepts illustrated in a schematic diagram which shows the

flow of relationship among the independent variable and the dependent variable.

The independent variables included the classroom design such as the lighting,

temperature, flexibility and lay out, color and visual stimuli, and classroom organization. The

dependent variables where it impacts on pupils’ learning such as academic performance,

engagement and motivation, attention and focus, well-being and comfort, and collaboration and

interaction.

According to a study by Barrett, Zhang, Moffat, and Kobbacy (2013), classroom design

has a substantial effect on students' academic achievements and overall engagement. The authors

found that various design elements, such as lighting, classroom layout, color schemes, and

classroom furniture, impact students' cognitive processes, attention span, and motivation levels.

Additionally, studies have shown that classrooms that promote flexibility, collaboration, and

provide access to natural light positively affect students' well-being, leading to enhanced learning

experiences.

Furthermore, research conducted by Tanner, Cubit, and Smith (2015) suggests that the

arrangement of resources, equipment, and displays within a classroom can significantly influence

students' focus, organization, and information processing. For instance, an organized and clutter-

free environment can reduce distractions and promote concentration, leading to improved

information retention and retrieval. Additionally, classrooms that incorporate visual aids,
IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 5

learning posters, and interactive displays have been found to enhance students' understanding

and knowledge retention (O'Connor, Michaels, & Resnick, 2017).

Moreover, the impact of classroom design extends beyond cognitive aspects, affecting

students' social and emotional development. A study by Fisher, Godwin, and Seltman (2014)

demonstrated that classrooms with flexible seating arrangements and cooperative learning spaces

promote social interactions, collaboration, and empathy among students. Such environments

foster the development of essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving

abilities, contributing to comprehensive student growth. (Graham & Weiner, 1996; Darling-

Hammond, 2010).

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE

CLASSROOM DESIGN IMPACT ON PUPILS’ LEARNING

 Lighting  Academic performance
 Temperature  Engagement and Motivation

 Flexibility and lay out  Attention and focus

 Color and visual stimuli  Well-being and comfort

 Collaboration and interaction
 Classroom organization

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study

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Statement of the Problem

This study sought to answer the following questions;

1. What is the type of classroom design do children in their environment prefer?

2. How does classroom design impact the pupils’ learning?

3. How can classroom design create an effective learning environment?

4. To what extent is the Classroom Design Impact Pupils’ Learning of Lem-ehek

Elementary School?

1. Pupils

2. Teachers

5. What factors in classroom design have shown to have the greatest impact on student

learning, engagement, and academic achievement?

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Significance of the Study

This study was conducted to know the impact of classroom design on pupil’s learning.

The results of the study will be of great benefit to the following:

Teachers: Teachers can gain knowledge about how different classroom designs can help

facilitate better learning outcomes for their students. They can adapt their teaching methods and

utilize classroom spaces effectively to enhance student engagement and academic performance.

Students: Students can benefit directly from the study by being exposed to well-designed

classrooms that optimize their learning potential. They can experience improved concentration,

engagement, and academic performance in environments that promote active learning and the

overall learning experience.

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Scope and Delimitation

The study was focused on the impact of classroom design on pupils' learning refers to the

specific aspects and variables that are being investigated and measured. It includes the factors

that contribute to classroom design, such as lighting, seating arrangement, color scheme,

temperature, and the type of learning outcomes being measured, such as academic achievement,

engagement, and motivation.

IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 9

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Classroom Decoration

Based on Nicholls (2006) stated that plants and animals can have positive effects on the

classroom. Throughout the year the children created posters, projects and handcrafts, which were

used to decorate their English classrooms. In addition, well-designed bulletin boards can be

effective learning and motivational tools. Their value as an instructional device should not be

overlooked or left to chance. Preparing bulletin boards can be time-consuming. Enlist others’

help. Occasionally allow students or parent volunteers to help create attractive bulletin boards.

Department of Education Orders

According to DO 21, S. 2006 – GUIDELINES FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF CLASSES

The ideal class size shall range from a minimum of 15 pupils/students to a maximum of 65

pupils/students per class. The ideal average class size shall be 50.

According to DepEd Order No. 21, which provides the guidelines for this year’s Brigada

Eskwela, required schools to clear school grounds, classrooms and all its walls of “unnecessary
IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 10

artwork, decorations, tarpaulin and posters. The Department of Education has issued a direct

order for schools to keep classroom walls bare and to “take out everything” on them, including

traditional educational posters and other visual teaching aids. Vice President Duterte’s directive

is for “all walls to be bare” and “for classrooms to be clean, orderly and functional.” This comes

after a teacher’s group on Sunday urged DepEd to clarify what classroom decorations are

“unnecessary” after its no-decor policy — communicated through DepEd Order No. 21, s. 2023

and a verbal statement from Vice President Sara Duterte — garnered mixed reactions online.

Classroom Design Implications

This shift in pedagogical thinking brings about considerations as to how the

physical environment of classrooms can influence these new student-centered
instructional processes that respond to the individual needs of each learner. In review of
the historical context, the passive learning that developed from decades of
teacher-centered instruction and design has failed to do this (Basye et al., 2012, p. 26).
Further standardizing these traditional environments has perpetuated the misconception
that students conform to an inaccurate ideology of average. Educational reformers agree
that students need a more active learning environment that personalizes the instruction to
their individuality and allows them to construct their own knowledge rather than having it
handed to them (Duncanson, 2014, p. 31-32). Once this is better understood, researchers
will begin to discover how this can be most effectively achieved, and students will
benefit from the advantages (Brooker, 2011, p. 20).
IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 11

The Dynamic Learning Environment

Classroom design has a long history of stagnation that no longer fits modern
pedagogical paradigms and the individual learning processes of contemporary students
(Ogilvie, 2008, p. 51). Brooker (2011) illustrated that “by challenging the misconception
that the school culture benefits most when the environment is designed around
standardization or a particular teaching method, the focus can now shift to designs that
enables teachers and students alike to shape their environments, behaviors, and perceptions of
learning”.

Design Choices

A positively designed educational setting creates notable effects on student

involvement and achievement in the classroom (Ogilvie, 2008, p. 50). Barrett et al.
(2012) argued that the learning environment alone can contribute up to 25% of the
educational development of students (p. 688). However, despite the evidence for
renewing classroom surroundings, Burke (2007) asserted that “architects, policy-makers
and teachers are not sure quite how to do this” (p. 362). There are numerous ‘design
parameters’ that have been researched such as light, sound, and air, and many have been
found effective, but researchers held opposing views over the most influential ones
(Barrett et al., 2012) Despite these varying viewpoints, there are a few themes that run
through each source of classroom design, including space, flexibility, and mobility.
IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 12

Space. According to Duncanson (2014), the simple addition of more physical

space “promotes active learning” (p. 32). Area should increase 10 square feet per student
in the classroom (Cornell, 2002, p. 38), however just 80 square feet of additional area
could lead to many advantages, including cleaner organization and fewer distractions
(Duncanson, 2014, p. 29). In this research, Duncanson (2014) found that extra space led
to higher test scores in science and language arts (p. 30).

Flexibility. The flexible use of space provides a variety of learning opportunities,

and adapts to individual needs (Basye et al., 2012, p. 40). Basye et al. (2012) stated that
classrooms should “be easily customizable” in order to adjust to a myriad of educational
tasks (p. 56) and grouping modalities (p. 40). This mixture of activity should be able to
occur at any given time of day in any location (Burke, 2007, p. 364).

Mobility. In order to facilitate this multitude of educational opportunities,

classrooms need to be regularly rearranged throughout the day (Duncanson, 2014, p. 30).
To save time and energy in conveniently reconfiguring the design, the contents within the
physical environment should be more mobile. Movement in the furniture itself, supports
better posture, more engagement, and higher achievement (Cornell, 2002, p. 35; Knight
& Noyes, 1999, p. 748; Schilling & Schwartz, 2004, p. 424).
IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 13

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study used descriptive-evaluative design with the use of survey questionnaire

to describe the data on how classroom design impact on pupils’ learning of Grade 6 pupils at

Lem-ehek Elementary School.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were the 31 Grade VI regular pupils of Lem-ehek

Elementary School enrolled School Year 2023-2024.

IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 14

Locale of the Study

This research work was conducted in Lem-ehek Elementary School Poblacion,

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. A map of Lem-ehek Elementary School showing Locale of the study

is provided as Figure 2 in the next page.

Figure 2. Map of Lem-ehek Elementary School

IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 15

Sampling Technique

The researchers used purposive sampling in selecting population to answer the

survey questionnaires and that is the Grade 6 pupils of Lem-ehek Elementary School.

Data Gathering Instrument

The researcher used a modified Interview Survey Questionnaire instrument in

gathering pertinent data about how classroom design impact on pupils’ learning.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers sent a letter for the approval to conduct the study at Lem-ehek

Elementary School through their principal Ma’am Risa Balunto, LPT. The study was then

conducted for one day with 31 grade 6 pupils for their preference on how classroom design

impact on their learning. Each pupil was given survey questionnaire for them to answer, some

were interviewed including the teacher. After collecting all data, with the help of all the

researchers they tabulated and tallied the survey. The result would hopefully be the basis for how

classroom design impact on pupil’s learning.

Statistical Treatment
IMPACT OF CLASSROOM DESIGN 16

CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

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