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by Professor Peter Barrett, Dr Yufan Zhang, Dr Fay Davies, Dr Lucinda Barrett at the University of Salford, Manchester
Based on the results of the HEAD Project (Holistic Evidence and Design), funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, clear evidence has been found that well-designed primary schools boost children’s academic performance in reading, writing and maths.
Differences in the physical characteristics of classrooms explain 16% of the variation in learning progress over a year for the 3766 pupils included in the study. Or to make this more tangible, it is estimated that the impact of moving an ‘average’ child from the least effective to the most effective space would be around 1.3 sub-levels, a big impact when pupils typically make 2 sub-levels progress a year.
This report on Edutopia explains 'What you put on your classroom walls can affect your students’ ability to learn.
This study highlights the effect of overstimulation on cognitive function.
This handy document from www.ecophon.com explains the importance of acoustics in a classroom.
A Communication Friendly Classroom will promote students resilience through:
Basics – The classroom will be a suitable environment for all to learn. A safe place where communication differences are understood and catered for. Good quality resources are available. Students will feel safe and free from prejudice.
Belonging – All members of the class, students and staff will have a sense of belonging. Visual displays of students work will enhance the environment and help foster a sense of belonging. Friendships and positive relationships are valued and encouraged
Learning – An organised classroom environment will help young people organise themselves. Organisational strategies will be adapted as necessary with regard for individuals communication needs
Coping – A suitable environment in which a young person’s communication needs are met can help them be brave, solve problems, calm down and self soothe
Core Self – Knowing how and where to access support within the classroom encourages the young person to take responsibility for their own learning