Scientific ResourcesIdeal Learning Environment StudyFacts at a Glance
Survey Results Summary: The results of the survey indicate that teachers across the country, and from all grade levels, realize that a well-designed classroom enhances their ability to teach and their students' ability to learn. Key Findings: Good interior design leads to a positive learning environment: Almost three-fourths of the teachers surveyed consider a school’s interior design “very important” for creating a good learning environment. Well-designed classrooms improve learning and achievement: Ninety-two percent believe classroom design has a strong impact on student learning and achievement. Few teachers are totally satisfied with their classrooms: Only 18 percent give their classroom an “A” for overall design. Safety, comfort, lighting, and acoustics top the list of design features that count: Eighty-eight percent of teachers agree that a classroom, which minimizes the risk of accidents has a “very strong impact” on students’ learning and achievement. Comfortable seating and workspaces for students, adequate lighting levels in the classroom and a quiet environment with good acoustics also scored high. Most classroom floor coverings are at least adequately cleaned and maintained: Twenty-six percent rate their classroom floor covering as “very well” cleaned and maintained, 53 percent as “adequately” and 21 percent as “poorly.” Teachers recognize the importance of interior design: Consistently, teachers in newer buildings recognize that design affects learning and achievement. They also give their classrooms high marks for overall design, as well as for floor-covering cleaning and maintenance. More than 60 percent of teachers from all demographic groups believe a school’s interior design is very important for creating a good learning environment. Ninety-two percent believe general classroom design has a strong impact on students’ learning and achievement. Carpet is both the most prevalent and most popular classroom floor covering: A majority of the teachers surveyed has carpet in the classroom and lists carpet as the preferred classroom floor covering. More than two-thirds of those who have carpet list it as their preference. Majorities also agree that carpet helps prevent falls, provides comfort, absorbs noise, and allows for flexibility in the classroom. Classrooms with carpet get higher marks than those without: Teachers who have carpet give their classrooms higher grades for overall design than do those who do not have carpet. Also, those who have carpet are more likely to link design elements to academic achievement.
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