Redesigning my Classroom

This year, I moved into a different classroom than I have previously been in. I did not know how exactly I should structure my room, as it had different sized tables and a large AC unit in the back corner that left an awkward space. Down below is how I decided to organize my classroom at the beginning of the year using Homestyler.

"Birdeye View of 1st Set-Up" by Emily Vailliencourt

"3D Version of 1st Set-Up" by Emily Vailliencourt

As you can see, most of my desks are long so that two students can sit at one, however I have three round tables in the image as well. In reality, only one is a round table and the other two are oddly shaped, but do take up about the size of a round table. Unfortunately the program I used to design this didn’t have an easy way to make unique furniture. I have a few other pieces of furniture in the room: two long tables with storage shelves (presented as the dark brown tables in the image), a small bookshelf, two rolling shelf carts/turn-in bins (represented by the white rolling carts), a mini fridge, my teacher desk/chair, and a tall table/podium.

For the most part, this is how my classroom looked this year. There were a few times I moved tables together for group work, but then moved them back to this position because I was not satisfied with how it looked and felt. All year I have been considering changing the design, and now I will!

There were a few problems with the original layout. The largest issue was spacing. It felt quite cramped and some students had a difficult time getting to their seats because they had to walk between other seated students and desks. Considering UX design, it has been found that flexibility can largely impact the learning in a classroom, and the larger the space students have, the better learning they do (Barrett, P. et al., 2013). Because students could not move easily around the classroom and were crowded, it was hindering it. Another problem is that the circle tables moved too easily and always ended up blocking the dark brown table where the textbooks are kept and my closet where I kept extra supplies. It became frustrating.

One positive about the original layout was the feeling of the lighting I have. I have spring lights that go back and forth across the ceiling and two warm colored lamps on different sides of the room. I prefer this lighting to the harsh overheads. It makes the classroom feel more welcoming and relaxing. 

Here are the changes that I made:

"Birdeye View of 2nd Set-Up" by Emily Vailliencourt

"3D Version of 2nd Set-Up" by Emily Vailliencourt

The first change I made was to put the tables into groups. I think having the tables in groups helps the flexibility in the classroom and create a more collaborative environment, where students can talk more easily with multiple people because they are now facing each other. I often have opportunities for students to have discussions or work in groups and this would make it easier for students to engage. The next thing I did was move the brown storage table to the front of the room. This was so there would be more space for the groups and so I would have a good place to put paper assignments and materials that will be handed out. It also provides another storage space where students will not easily mess with. The textbooks that were here will be moved to the other one by the door. I also rotated the circle tables so that none of the chairs are fully facing the back. It is now easier for the students to face the front board. I kept the three tables near the door the same because they worked well this year.

With these new changes, I hope that it will feel more open and interactive in my classroom. I want it easier for students to get around and easier for me to get my resources from my closet when I need to.

Barrett, P., Zhang, Y., Moffat, J., & Kobbacy, K. (2013). A holistic, multi-level analysis identifying the impact of classroom design on on pupils' learning. Building and Environment, 59, 678-689.

Homestyler. (2009). https://www.homestyler.com/