A wide range of classroom environments and teachers is important, and Arlington High School reflects that, from music blaring and dim lighting to complete silence and bright lighting. A variety of classroom and personality caters to all of our different student personalities and preferences.
A lot of factors can make students like or dislike a classroom, the teacher, their peers, the work load, the posters, sounds or even the lighting. The environment can affect how well students feel through-out the school day and comfort levels in the classroom.
“I think if the environment isn’t inviting and welcoming, it’s hard for kids to feel comfortable and I want kids to feel comfortable when they’re in my room,” English teacher, Ms Brooke Adcock said.
Feeling comfortable and safe can be seen as important in schooling for kids to learn, and all personalities see that in different spaces. Some like a quiet and controlled environment, some like a loud and chaotic environment, and students where the environment doesn’t affect them.
¨Personally, I don’t think it affects me either way because some classes are very boring and some classes like Mr. Brown is a lot, so it doesn’t affect me. I wouldn’t say just how the classroom looks makes me have an opinion on a teacher. They could have a very boring classroom and be the most fun. They just don’t like decorating,” Nicholas Mathieson (27’) said.
Being able to adapt to the classroom and learn might be hard for some, especially if it is noisy or has loud walls. Studies show that younger students don’t do well in decorated rooms because they tend to be off task or distracted. More is not always better. https://www.cmu.edu/homepage/society/2014/spring/disruptive-decorations.shtml
“Probably my favorite style of classroom is classroom with posters on the walls and stuff like that because whenever I need a break in class I kind of just look around and read all the posters and then just get back to work and it kind of just makes you feel good,” said Kade Martin (29’).
Teachers’ rooms are their space for nearly nine months, plus the months that go into setting up for the up and coming year. Teachers can make their students feel comfortable and invited to the class in the way they set it up, reflecting what you are about to learn and who you’re going to learn it with.
“I moved to this classroom and I took a bunch of stuff down from my old classroom, but I wanted it to be welcoming. I also wanted it to show my involvement throughout the years of teaching. So that’s why I have all the pictures up and different things and cheer. I have all the little cheer pictures up there. It’s bright and colorful, just so kids feel welcome and safe,¨ said Ms Adcock.
