How Does Classroom Design Affect Learner Engagement in the Elementary Classroom?

Book excerpt: Many K-12 school buildings are currently being built or renovated in the United States. In the past, classrooms were constructed by architectural teams with little to no input from teachers or students, leading to inefficient spaces. If classrooms were designed with student engagement being the primary focus, students and teachers would both benefit from the results. The research problem specifically centers on student engagement at the elementary level. How does classroom design affect learner engagement in the elementary classroom? The study and literature review on new classroom design revealed the varied elements that can create effective learning environments. According to the findings, students' physical and mental health are affected by classroom design, as well as their ability to concentrate and engage in the learning process. A recommendation is that teachers be provided professional development on the effective use of these new classroom designs in order to fully benefit from what these new spaces have to offer.