Educators are always looking for ways to improve learning outcomes for their students. One of the common areas is classroom design. Children have an increased sensitivity and occupy the details of the design in the classroom, which adults can miss. For example, sharp corners are a source of tension and should be relaxed, where possible, for conditions for children. Curves are more relaxed, both for furniture and for patterns on walls, rugs and other aspects of classroom design.
Murals and art depicting nature work well for classroom design. However, many educators are not aware that these images have a greater positive effect when the long-term perspective compared to close-up is suppressed. Another key to bedroom design is to place warm and cool colors next to each other to create a “flicker” that relieves stress and eye strain. This is one of the principles used in impressionistic art, the most popular style of visual art for more than a century.
Cartoon characters and distorted, humorous images in art were often used for kindergartens and classrooms for young children. Researchers have discovered that oversized cartoons may actually scare children. Works made by children, pleasant scenes of the game or serene images of natural images are much more appropriate.
In addition, classes are often cluttered with a variety of images. It can disorient and distract children. Instead of covering every wall with posters and other visual images, consider using different textures or colors on the walls to increase the feeling of spaciousness.
Similarly, instead of publishing a list of rules or standards of standards, older children can respond well if the school or class values are encapsulated and displayed in a symbolic way, such as heraldic banners, flags, shields, and crests of traditional trades and royal houses. Understanding the meaning of a flag or class shield means the concept of symbolism. Exploring what specific images can mean intangible assets can be a lesson for the children themselves.
Extensive research has been done on the topic of color in interiors. For the bedroom, the frequently used primary colors of red and yellow may be overly stimulating. Red actually extends the perception of the passage of time, which is probably undesirable in the classroom! In addition, psychological studies of children and colors (Alschuler and Hattwick) show that yellow color can be problematic and is associated with infantile behavior and dependence on adults. Also try to avoid avocados, yellow-green, purple and chartreuse in the classroom, as these colors and their images make people painful.
Instead, try using the green and natural colors of the earth to reduce muscle and nerve tension, maintain mental concentration and translate glare. Cooler colors, such as green and blue, are suitable for areas in the classroom where reflection, meditation, or “passive” learning should occur. Warmer colors, such as peach, pink and light yellow, are suitable for classrooms in which active “kinesthetic” activities, recreation or artistic activities take place. Older children may prefer more complex colors, such as purple or sage. Areas with long, harsh winters can withstand depression using spring colors (medium yellow, light pink, light blue, and light green).
Finally, lighting considerations can be serious in class design. Ideally, the light levels should be cyclically changing (i.e. with the rhythms of the day) to associate monotony, activate cortical reactions and avoid emotional abandonment of the environment. Moderate variations compared to strong variations within a single field of view will provide the maximum level of comfort. This can be achieved by placing lamps around the room, which work partially, but not all day.
Following the above principles related to the appropriate design in the classroom, including images, colors and lighting, not only improve the results of classroom learning, but teachers can also expect more cooperation from more comfortable and happy students.
