The use of physical space in the classroom and its surroundings

Abstract

The current study investigated the use of physical space in the classroom and its surroundings, in order to see whether the space available promotes the best learning/teaching environment. The study was conducted in four Year 1 classrooms, from four primary schools through a series of observations. Observations were carried out to analyse a variety of classroom contexts and see how they varied from time to time. Interviews were carried out after each observation with each class teacher to find out the reason for the classroom arrangement for the particular lesson, which had been observed. Questionnaires were given to the heads of schools, to yield information about the availability of facilities and the range of activities carried out in their schools. A different questionnaire was given to the four class teachers, to acquire information about the teacher's background, the furniture available in the classroom and their opinion about a possible relationship between pupil's attainment, performance and the school building. The data were analysed to see the pros and cons of a variety of classroom layouts within the period between October 2002 and March 2003. The results obtained were analysed and recommendations provided as a way of discussing how the available space could be improved.