As workplace design has moved toward open and collaborative, so too has the classroom. Instead of arranging students sitting in rows of one-size-fit-all desks, today's classroom trends have evolved to improve students' collaboration, engagement, and productivity. Here are some trends in classroom design.
Collaborative and Flexible Design
In the traditional classroom learning environment, students sit in rows and columns, facing a large chalkboard and listening to the teachers. While studies show that movement stimulates the brain and helps in learning.
Compared to the traditional lecture-based "sit and listen" pattern, many educators, have moved to a new method of teaching – the flipped classroom model. They encourage students in deeper learning through engaging with lectures or other materials outside the class, collaborating with peers, and practicing in the classroom with the guidance of the mentors. It could end the feeling of asleep and monotonous, making students better prepared for courses and knowledge.
Additionally, after being told to sit still for decades, today's students are encouraged to move more and always work in groups. For this reason, the classroom furniture should be mobile and flexible to enable students to perform their best. Many teachers find that small uniquely-shaped group tables stimulate interaction compared to the traditional desks. Others prefer mobile height-adjustable tables to create flexibility, allowing to change the room layout depending on the tasks.
Biophilic Design
There is proven evidence that shows that natural elements have positive effects. Biophilic design can reduce stress, improve cognitive function and creativity, and improve well-being. In the educational environment specifically, research shows that engaged with nature more can dramatically boost children's attention span. It means that they are more focused in the classroom and better to concentrate.
Bringing daylight into interior space is one of the most common biophilic design. Opposed to artificial lighting that proven can cause strain, fatigue, and circadian dysfunction, the natural daylight improves psychological reactions, attendance rates, and students' speed of learning. The easiest ways to bring natural light is to include more windows, skylights, and reflective surfaces into the classroom. Furthermore, some also consider adding nature-inspired products like natural wood, stone materials, grassy-texture carpet, as well as green plants to complete the biophilic classroom project.
Homelike Design
Except for study areas, causal spaces are also introduced into the classroom. Quiet spaces for reading with comfortable chairs and couches, lounge-like seating areas to facilitate casual group work, and height and width adjustable workbenches for collaboration, all bring a homelike comfort and ease into the classroom.
As a professional Chinese supplier and manufacturer, ERGOVIDA specializes in designing, manufacturing, and offering simple, durable, ergonomic children study furniture like height-adjustable study desks and chairs, interactive workstations, and multi-functional workbenches. Please contact us at info@ergovida.cn with any questions or further information.
