Classroom Design, Classroom Management, and the Learning Environment

Author

Wendi Nicole Smith, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow

Abstract

A significant portion of a child’s life is spent in the classroom. Therefore, it is important for parents and educators to consider the classroom environment in which children are spending such a large quantity of their time. Since it has been established that classroom design does influence the achievement, emotions, and behavior of students, it is all the more crucial that teachers and school administrators be made aware of how to effectively design a classroom. Part one of this thesis explores the existing literature to synthesize the current recommendations for the following elements of classroom design: décor and aesthetic appeal, furniture choices and configuration, ease of movement, light, functionality and organization, population density, and use of wall space. Part two of this thesis applies the research conducted from the initial literature review in the form of five virtual classrooms created with RoomSketcher© Interior Design Software. Digital representations of a lower elementary classroom, an upper elementary classroom, a middle school classroom, a traditional high school classroom, and a nontraditional high school classroom are presented as suggestions of how to effectively implement these research-based principles of classroom design.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 2016

Mentor

Ginni C. Fair

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Curriculum and Instruction

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership

Department Name when Degree Awarded

Curriculum and Instruction

Recommended Citation

Smith, Wendi Nicole, "Classroom Design, Classroom Management, and the Learning Environment" (2016). Honors Theses. 359.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/359