Environment: The final frontier of education - Noble & Eaton (2024)
School leaders are beginning to recognise the significant impact of physical environments on student outcomes. According to our research report, "The State of Learning Spaces," 44% of school leaders believe current spaces hinder students' potential. How can design help unlock their potential?
Undeniably, the design of learning spaces impacts student outcomes. However, it also holds the potential for significant improvement. From boosting cognition to supporting well-being to improving performance, the environment is vital in helping students reach their full potential. 76% of leaders believe there is room for improvement in learning environments, which should be a higher priority for their school. The best place to start is through intentional and inclusive design.
To improve student performance, students need to take ownership of their learning, which can be encouraged by offering choice and flexibility. Zoning classrooms into dedicated areas, such as independent or collaborative study areas, fosters autonomy and supports diverse learning needs.
Poor acoustic management causes higher levels of anxiety, often leading to defensive behaviours. These behaviours hinder emotional and social well-being, preventing the formation of healthy relationships or a sense of community and discouraging positive learning experiences. Simple yet effective solutions include suspended acoustic panels, soft furniture, or plants.
Factors like uncomfortable temperatures, artificial lighting, and clutter can cause sensory overload, leading to cognitive fatigue and impairing information retrieval and retention. Addressing these design elements makes learning spaces more neuro-inclusive and boosts cognition.
Overall, applying intentional design encourages and supports student outcomes and helps them reach their full potential.
Download the full report below of Noble and Eaton: The State of Learning Spaces to find out more about the current landscape, the differences between state and independent schools, and which aspects of learning spaces leaders want to prioritise.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)