The first thing that is noticed in an elementary classroom is its appearance and how it is designed. Although classroom design may not appear very important, it is essential for a learner’s education. How a classroom is designed affects the behavior of learners as well as work ethic ( Finley & Wiggs, 2016 ). There are different factors to put into consideration in classroom design. However, the three most crucial factors are how the furniture is arranged, the activities center, and a literature center. The learning environment designed is learners between the ages of six to eight years.
The learning environment design presented helps ensure that learners have an opportunity to interact with each other while at the same time, remain on their tasks and pay attention to the instructor. For example, clusters of two or three desks would be effective in ensuring interaction, concentration on task and attention to the teacher. Creating an activity center is crucial because it allows children to explore their different areas of interest and identify what they love doing best ( Kim, 2016 ). Activity centers are special areas set aside for some themed activities ( Hunt, 2018 ). According to Martin (2016), it is essential to create activity centers so that learners explore options to identify what they like the most and carry the skills and interests beyond the classroom setting. Examples of activity centers include an art center. For activity centers to be effective, instructors should allow learners to explore the area for approximately thirty minutes with no instructions provided. A self-guided period generates creativity in the leaners’ minds since they are allowed to choose what they desire to do instead of what they are told. In addition, they can explore different subjects using a hands-on perspective.
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A literature area helps develop and promote both reading and writing skills at an early age. For example, a shelf with several books can be made so that learners can choose books to read. However, a literature area should be quiet and partially separated from the other areas of a classroom. A behaviorist theory perspective, cognitive, and constructivist theories are reflected in the classroom design. From a behaviorist theory perspective, behaviors of the learners are shaped through certain stimuli that cause certain responses ( Stevens-Fulbrook, 2020 ). From a cognitive theory approach, learners ought to be active participants in the learning process while a constructivist approach, the learning environment, can determine how the learner is able to construct new knowledge (Stevens-Fulbrook, 2020) effectively.
In conclusion, how a classroom is designed is essential and has an impact on learners’ behavior. Different learning environment designs cause different behaviors in learners. The learning environment ensures physical, affective, and cognitive development. Creating activity centers offers learners an opportunity to be creative in different ways. Through involving students in literature, they find it easier to read and write in the future. Therefore, for learners to benefit, they require a classroom that is designed in a way that ensures less distraction and maximum opportunities for effective and quality learning.
References
Finley, T., & Wiggs, B. (2016). Rethinking classroom design: Create student-centered learning spaces for 6-12th graders . Rowman & Littlefield.
Hunt, B. (2018). Design your dream classroom environment. Creating Your Dream Elementary Classroom from the Inside Out , 13-38. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429504518-2
Kim, S. Y. (2016). Design learning environment based on elementary design education process and children behavior. KOREA SCIENCE & ART FORUM , 25 , 49. https://doi.org/10.17548/ksaf.2016.09.25.49
Martin, J. (2019). Strategic classroom design: Creating an environment for flexible learning . Heinemann Educational Books.
Stevens-Fulbrook, P. (2020). An introduction to learning theories.: 5 of the most influential learning theories, simplified and explained . Paul Stevens-Fulbrook.
