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The design of the classroom should be like a home, warm and cozy, making everyone feel welcome. No shoes allowed...There could be different areas set up for various learning needs, and both teachers and students help decide how the space is arranged.

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I was intrigued to see how much classroom design can affect how students learn. I didn't realise that things like lighting, air quality, and even how cluttered a space feels can have such a significant impact on students' focus and performance. This makes me think about how important it is to create classrooms that are both comfortable and engaging. Small changes, like opening windows or rethinking wall displays, can make a huge difference in helping students feel more focused, connected, and ready to learn every day.

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I like the idea of flexible spaces within the classroom and creating different zones to engage the students. Perhaps we can consider having mobile space-saving furniture in some of our classrooms (tables and/or chairs) which can be configured according to our needs. This will be helpful in the conduct of groupwork and promote greater collaboration between students.

The idea of having zones in a classroom is something which I have tried to create previously - like having a reading corner with some rug/ cushions and a cosy corner for students who have finished their work earlier to engage in some puzzles/ games/ self-improvement. However, cleanliness and maintenance is an issue, given our weather.

I have always envisioned an inviting and cosy classroom, much like the homerooms that we see in the classrooms of our western counterparts and believe that classroom design is important to create an effective learning environment. Wonder if there could be some height appropriate bulletin boards so that the students could have more ownership in the display of their work/ or notices?

-Karen

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After reading the article, I found the emphasis on flexible and adaptable learning spaces particularly impactful. The shift away from traditional, rigid classroom setups to more open, collaborative environments seems essential for modern education. However, this also changes the role of teachers significantly. Instead of being the primary source of knowledge, teachers now act as facilitators and must adapt to using technology effectively, to cater to diverse student needs and learning preferences.

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Can classroom be "flexible"? - is the first question that comes to my mind. By flexible I mean to be able to change how space is used. For example 1 term, the teacher's table can be in front of the class and another at the back of the class for, or tables and chairs that are easy to shift and move within the class, can the white boards be on other walls instead of just at one side of the classroom, for the purpose of better engagement of student's learning in the class. It could also mean changing of displays in the classroom (concept of "refresh") to help the students learn or hone in skills based on the needs of the students. Available structural support could be a means to help build a more engaging classroom for learning (e.g. making the walls magnetic with magnetic sheets to facilitate the displays or changes of displays required throughout the year) - Liping

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These 2 articles provide very interesting and thought-provoking ideas and research findings regarding classroom designs. In fact, some of us have been using some of these suggested ideas in our classroom designs. However, there are other ideas suggested in these 2 articles which might be worth exploring to see if they are feasible to be adopted or adapted in our context. We may still need to weigh the pros and cons of the suggested ideas in the articles before we decide whether to implement or not to implement for our classrooms.

-Pei Hoon

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I enjoy reading the different articles on classroom design. I manage to recorrect some of misconceptions - Bright Colours = Happy Classroom. I will be more careful in the choice of colours when designing my classroom.

Secondly, I agree that creating multiple learning zones in your classroom will be beneficial for our students. However, as a lower primary classroom teacher, I find that our classrooms are often used for programmes or after school care. My experience has not been too pleasant when some of the resources left behind in the classroom were badly used after school. I understand the limited space and the need to share these classrooms. Students need to well be reminded on respecting these common spaces.

Nuratika

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The articles have underscored the importance of balancing visual stimulation and comfort in classroom design. I agree with the article that good classrooms should be 'designed to make attending school an interesting and pleasurable experience, balancing visual stimulation with comfort and a sense of ownership.'

I appreciate the point about how heat can directly influence students' learning behaviours. Sweltering classrooms can have significant academic effects, a reality we're all too familiar with due to rising temperatures. While air conditioning might not be feasible, replacing some window shades with stained glass art to soften sun glare is both practical and empowering. It adds color to the classroom and is a fun Art project for students. Additionally, tinted windows help to manage the heat and make learning enjoyable.

Vity

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Effective classrooms should be “crafted to turn school into an engaging and enjoyable experience,” a sentiment that really resonates with me. When classrooms are thoughtfully designed, they can transform the school day into something students look forward to, rather than just a routine obligation.

The choice of colour palettes plays a significant role in this. For example, bright, cheerful colours can make a classroom feel more welcoming and stimulating, potentially boosting students' mood and engagement. In contrast, muted or dull colours might make the environment less inviting.

I also appreciate the idea of creating multiple learning zones within the classroom. This approach allows for diverse teaching methods and accommodates different learning styles. For instance, having a quiet reading nook, an interactive activity area, and a space for group work can cater to various needs and keep students engaged.

Additionally, addressing the issue of overheated classrooms is important for maintaining a comfortable learning environment. Ensuring proper ventilation, using fans, or installing air conditioning can help manage temperature, making the classroom more conducive to learning and preventing discomfort that might distract students from their studies.

P2B Teffany

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To foster an engaging and effective learning environment, it's crucial to adopt a variety of approaches that stimulate students' interest and facilitate their learning. One key strategy is to implement a flexible seating arrangement with adjustable furniture, allowing the classroom setup to adapt to different lesson plans and activities.

Incorporating differentiation stations or activity-based centers can further tailor the learning experience to meet diverse student needs. Additionally, setting up an activity corner or a classroom library can add an element of fun and adaptability, providing students with convenient access to materials and resources throughout the day.

By utilizing visually appealing posters, a thoughtfully designed layout, personalized materials, and a versatile arrangement, we can create a vibrant, ever-evolving classroom environment that will inspire students to look forward to their learning experiences each day.

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I observed that the classrooms of P1-P2 are generally more colorful and filled with students' artifacts and divided into many zones etc. As a P3 FT, I have this assumption that the students are no longer into all these classroom decorations or zones at their age. The readings came as a reminder how I can redesign my classroom for effective learning spaces. However, the hinder is in making sure students do not abuse the spaces/ do not take the opportunity given to them to move between places for horseplay. Hence a lot of time must be invested to set up ground rules. Perhaps time can be given during orientation week for FTs and students to design/ decorate the classroom using the elements/ guides given in the readings? Candice Tan

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Friendship Plant (They are easy to propagate, making a completely new plant from an existing one. This makes them easy to share amongst the students and foster stronger friendship bonds.)

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What stood out for me after reading the two articles is the idea of incorporating indoor nature to enhance the classroom environment. We can assign the EE ambassadors or other students without any leadership roles to take on more responsibility to take care of the plants and ensuring that there is no breeding of mosquitoes.

Here are some classroom plants to consider:

5 of the Best Classroom Plants (Even if You Have a Black Thumb) (weareteachers.com)

*Having Mosquito plants in the classroom is also a good option to have to repel all the mozzies.

-Yvonne

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A constant reminder that students are main users and as designers of their future classroom, we need to understand that hearing and gathering their inputs and feedback matters. Role of student agency and student voice is critical in this redesigning of classroom journey. We introduce design thinking as part of our thinking programme, but how can we move from a thinking programme to a thinking classroom to a thinking school/culture? We can take this opportunity to role model application of the design thinking process. Design thinking cannot be a one-off learning and application during thinking lesson. How can it become our way of doing things and solving problems, starting from this project. Angie

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Flexible classroom

-‘marking out different zones’ is similar to having different corners so students can rotate to do different activities. I remember many years ago when teaching various subjects in the same class, I had a math corner for hands-on puzzles, a science corner for a simple experiment, a cozy EL corner for reading, an art corner for doodling and a care/nano corner for students to write encouraging words/notes or give a little tokens to their peers in each of their pockets.

-assessibility(my corners used to be at the back of the classroom which students visited during their free time, away from their tables where they did their written tasks)

-mobility(students chose the corner they were interested in)

-inspiration(adjustments were made to the different corners to cater to the needs of the students and tap on their creativity too for a better classroom design and setting. Example, instead of a wall or letter box that took up space, I affixed pockets to this circular thingy which students find each other’s pockets to put in their letters for their friends. Students also enjoyed removing their shoes and sat on the rubber mats at the EL reading corner.

-respect (the objective is to make the school a place for genuine learning and growth for every child regardless of their academic performance)

The science of classroom design

-Apart from creating multiple learning zones, I also put up every student’s work to acknowledge their contributions, use the front for important rules, instructions, daily reminders of work and a reward system help them to stay focused on these.

- making sure displays are updated, esp students’ work and materials related to current topics.

-seating arrangement to be rotated too

(LH’s two cents’ worth)

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my first thought was these are really really good ideas but how?? our class size is so big...30 tables already..how to add learning corners...tech zone, discussion corner etc. But some things like the colours and decorations can be done. I think of my child's pre-school layout and decorations and I think it's near to what I have read. Their classroom environment is vibrant and cosy. They also have learning corner that are beautifully decorated and modified every term.

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1) Modern classrooms should feature flexible layouts that can easily be reconfigured to support various activities such as group work, individual study, and hands-on projects. Moveable furniture and open spaces are essential for this adaptability. I have seen some schools have tables with wheels underneath and students can move their tables around easily according to the class activities.

2)I love how this article underscores the importance of thoughtful classroom design in supporting effective teaching and learning, emphasizing the need for flexibility, comfort and accessibility to optimize the educational experience.

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The arrangement of tables and chairs is important as it facilitates discussion and interaction. Although having them placed in a semi-circle can be a challenge, it is still possible to place them such that the students seated in class can easily have a good view of the majority of the class instead of facing straight at the whiteboard.

I agree that potted plants are an effective indoor decoration that can be used in class to provide a calm ambience for learning.

One more point besides ventilation/temperature that I feel makes a huge difference in providing an optimal learning environment is the state of cleanliness in the classroom. At lower block, it is easier to instill and enforce the need for a clean classroom. How can we further ensure/teach students to own their learning space?

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I like how the 5 elements in the 1st article (Visualising 21st Century Classroom Design) highlights the importance of our classroom environment (furniture, layouts, things placed on the walls) in contributing to, not just the learning of our students, but supporting their character development as well. (e.g. Element 5 "Respect": A classroom could have a section of the classroom noticeboard be used to highlight student growth/progress, esp for non-academic achievements/good character for students who may not be getting affirmation in other areas.)

-Violet

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These five steps are essential in creating a 21st-century classroom: establishing zones, ensuring resource accessibility, encouraging mobility, igniting inspiration, and fostering respect.

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Our comprehensive, all-in, research-based look at the design of effective learning spaces.

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What are your thoughts after reading the articles?