Prototyping Learning Spaces and Furniture: Exploring Students’ Perspectives of the Impact on Their Learning

• In Event: New Approaches to the Study of Learning Environments

Abstract

The importance of good furniture in a school learning environment cannot be underestimated. Drawing on a photo-elicitation method via an online survey, this paper explores Australian students’ perspectives (n=219) of the impact of furniture and spatial arrangements on their learning. Findings from the study show that furniture and spatial settings that support students in their learning centred around 11 themes of Comfort, Concentrate, Collaborate, Choice, Space, Auditory, Functionality, Privacy, Psychological, Accessibility, and Vision. The paper concludes with two important implications, while pertinent to the Australian context, can also be read with broader relevance to other educational systems and schools.

Author

• Marian Mahat, University of Melbourne