New Report Provides Insights Into Teachers’ Views on Designing Learning Spaces for Student Success
Shelton, Conn. (PRWEB) – Teachers believe that cramped K-12 classrooms with desks neatly in rows and the blackboard at the front of the room should be a thing of the past. According to the third report released today by MDR, in its State of the K-12 Market 2018 series, The Impact of Learning Spaces on Student Success, teachers around the country believe the design of learning spaces indeed impacts student outcomes.
More than 1,600 teachers participated in a market research study on learning spaces, conducted by MDR, a division of Dun & Bradstreet, with 94 percent agreeing that space impacts learning. The more than 80-page report looks at themes that evolved from the outcomes of the survey, such as issues regarding flexibility and collaboration, the importance of technology integration, and intentional design in modern classroom spaces. The Impact of Learning Spaces on Student Success also provides high-level perspectives on 21st century learning, classroom seating, and individual learning styles.
“Teachers across the country overwhelmingly agree that creative learning spaces play an important role in student engagement,” said Melissa Pelletier, MDR education research editor and an author of the study. “Companies who work with schools will gain valuable insights into what teachers believe creates learning environments that encourage all students to collaborate, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve their highest potential.”
The report found that, among teachers who indicated space had a high impact on learning, more than 40 percent believed that a positive environment was conducive to learning and better performance. Nearly three-quarters of educators surveyed believed their classroom environment is conducive to 21st-century learning, including collaboration, digital literacy, critical thinking and problem solving. Among those who believed space had a high impact, more than a quarter said that small spaces and negative environments often create distractions and deter learning.
As one teacher said, “We teach classes of as many as 36 students. In some classrooms, students are
practically on top of each other. There is no space to have quiet conversations, to work on writing, to do book groups. Space is premium.”
The Impact of Learning Spaces on Student Success is a collaboration between MDR and the Education Market Association. Three case studies from the EdMarket network are included in the report, supporting the topic of how space impacts learning.
“This report gives solid evidence of the critical needs and pent up demand our member companies have been addressing in the marketplace as new education facilities are planned and built.” said Jim McGarry, president and CEO, EDmarket.