How to Redesign Your Classroom’s Ambience?

Studies in ‘Environmental psychology’ or ‘Space Psychology’ have shown how the human mind is impacted by the space he/she inhabits. It is no different for a classroom and the effect its interior design has on students’ minds, influencing their performance. This blog explores ways a tutor can redesign classroom ambience to increase student engagement and motivation, and improve the overall academic performance of the class.

What is Classroom Ambience?

Classroom ambience encompasses the whole interior design of a classroom. It includes the seating arrangement for students, and the arrangement of other physical objects (furniture, whiteboards, wall decor, windows, and everything else in a classroom). The choice of colour of the mentioned objects, and that on the walls also fall under classroom ambience.

The right kind of ambience has proven to be effective in positively impacting the students’ minds. It improves their attention span, communication skills, and overall academic performance.

• Impact of Classroom Ambience on Students’ Minds

The interior design of a classroom is not merely about aesthetics. It is more about a conscious effort to include and arrange physical things in a way that makes the learning experience interesting. The right classroom ambience can profoundly influence students’ behaviour, attitude and learning outcomes. Some of the positive effects are as follows.

• Increased Focus and Engagement

A thoughtfully designed classroom can capture students' attention and encourage active participation in learning activities. Colours like orange, blue and green stimulate the human mind to get into a more focused, calm and creative state. The use of these colours for chairs, tables, or walls can significantly improve student performance.

• Increased Collaboration and Interaction

Seating arrangements like round or square tables with chairs around them, at the rear or sides of the classroom make for a more interactive environment. Such an arrangement automatically puts the student’s mind in a mood of debate and discussion.

• Creation of a Calming Atmosphere

The classroom should have ample windows to allow natural light. The choice of colours for walls or other objects should be soothing. Chairs, tables, and objects of physical contact should have comfortable furnishings. All of this has a relaxing effect on the mind. As a result, the environment is stress-free and conducive to learning.

• Encouraging Different Learning Styles

The classroom can have sections/spaces for different learning preferences like auditory, visual or activity-based learning. This leads to a satisfactory learning experience for every student in the class.

• Encouraging Creativity and Critical Thinking

Decorations with inspirational quotes or symbols and interactive displays stimulate students' imagination and creativity. This encourages them to think critically and solve problems.

Tips and Tricks to Redesign Your Classroom

Understanding the impact of arrangement and colour choice of physical objects in a classroom on students’ minds, one can use the following tips to design a classroom.

• Flexible Seating Arrangements

It is advisable to incorporate a variety of seating options such as bean bags, floor cushions, standing desks, and collaborative round/square tables. This makes the environment suitable for different learning preferences and activities.

• Optimise Classroom Layout

Arrange furniture and learning spaces in a way that optimises space utilisation, minimises clutter, and enables smooth movement within the classroom.

• Creative Use of Wall Space

Use whiteboards, bulletin boards, and interactive displays to promote student engagement and activity-based learning. You can also incorporate motivational quotes, infographics, and visual aids to inspire and engage students.

• Use Ergonomic Furniture for Comfort

Choose ergonomic furniture and seating options that ensure proper posture and comfort. This reduces physical discomfort and fatigue during long learning sessions.

• Thoughtful Integration of Technology

The use of technology in classrooms, in the form of whiteboards, tablets, and laptops has proven to be highly effective. It grabs more attention from students, facilitates multimedia presentations, and encourages digital collaboration among students.

• Bring Nature Indoors

Introduce elements of nature into the classroom environment through potted plants, natural lighting, and nature-inspired decor to create a calming and rejuvenating atmosphere. Such an atmosphere is highly conducive to learning.

• Personalise Learning Spaces

Designate areas within the classroom for quiet reading corners, independent study zones, and collaborative workstations. This allows students to choose the environment that best suits their learning needs and preferences.

• Easy Accessibility of Learning Materials

Include storage sections like shelves or cupboards for books and learning materials in the classroom. Keeping them accessible for students and teachers helps quickly clarify doubts encountered during exercises.

• Encourage Student Ownership

It is advisable to encourage students to contribute ideas for designing the classroom. This enables them to take ownership of their learning environment.

• Regular Maintenance and Updates

Ensure that the classroom environment remains clean, organised, and aesthetically pleasing. Conduct regular maintenance checks, update decor, and keep refreshing learning materials whenever necessary.

• Impact of Classroom Design on Student Performance

A well-thought-out classroom design profoundly impacts student performance and academic achievement. Research has shown that students in well-designed classrooms demonstrate the following:

• Increased levels of engagement and participation in learning activities.
• Improved attention span, concentration, and focus during lessons.
• Enhanced collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Higher levels of motivation, self-confidence, and academic self-efficacy.
• Greater academic achievement and success across subject areas.

As a tutor, you need to create a learning-friendly classroom ambience. It makes the path of growth, development and success enjoyable for your students.

Conclusion

After going through this blog you must have understood how a thoughtful implementation of strategies to redesign classroom ambience improves student performance. Apply the tips mentioned in this blog to create an inspiring and conducive learning environment, for the holistic development of every student.