Can we build better classrooms?

Providing effective education that empowers individuals is paramount in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4). The learning environment, particularly the classroom, plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality and effectiveness of education. 

The ambience of the room directly influences students' ability to concentrate, process information, and retain knowledge. Factors such as lighting, air quality, acoustics, temperature, and even the layout of the space contribute significantly to the overall learning experience.

Fresh air is vital for maintaining brain function, as it directly affects oxygen levels essential for cognitive processes. In poorly ventilated classrooms, high carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels often build up due to the presence of many students in a confined space.

This rise in CO₂ reduces the oxygen available to the brain, leading to fatigue, headaches, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Such conditions hinder students' ability to focus and perform well.

Acoustics is another often overlooked aspect of classroom design. Poor acoustics, caused by excessive noise or reverberation, can disrupt communication, making it difficult for students to hear instructions and participate in discussions. 

Research indicates that adverse acoustic conditions increase listening effort, which can negatively impact student performance.

Studies show that temperatures between 20–24°C (68–75°F) are ideal for learning environments. Deviations from this range can cause discomfort and distraction, reducing focus and academic performance. Proper lighting also plays a crucial role in enhancing the learning environment.

A comprehensive UK study of 153 classrooms and 3,766 pupils highlighted the critical role of classroom design in academic success. Researchers found that natural light, air quality, and temperature collectively accounted for 50% of the factors influencing learning outcomes.

Among these, optimal lighting was particularly important, as it helps regulate students' circadian rhythms—the natural processes governing sleep and wakefulness. 

These findings underscore the importance of creating well-lit, ventilated, and temperature-controlled classrooms to boost engagement and academic performance.

A similar study of over 2,000 classrooms across three U.S. school districts found that abundant daylight significantly improved student achievement in math and reading, with progress rates 20–26% faster than in classrooms with minimal daylight.

Skylights and windows not only provide better illumination but also offer psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and improving concentration. The study concluded that well-designed daylighting systems, incorporating features to manage glare and contrast, can greatly enhance academic performance and student well-being.

Creating sustainable, healthy, and effective learning environments does not require constructing grand megastructures; instead, it involves thoughtful design and renovation of existing classrooms to optimise natural daylight, temperature control, and ventilation.

Implementing innovative yet cost-effective strategies can significantly enhance the learning experience.

Simple, locally feasible solutions can address poor ventilation and high CO₂ levels. Encouraging natural airflow through cross-ventilation—by installing operable windows on opposite walls and bamboo or wood ventilators near ceilings—helps hot air escape and improves circulation.

Planting neem or banyan trees around school premises enhances air quality and reduces dust. Acoustic issues can be mitigated by covering walls and ceilings with sound-absorbing materials such as jute mats and cork boards, which reduce echo and noise.

Adjustable shading systems can effectively manage temperature control in classrooms, reducing heat gain in warmer months and retaining warmth in cooler periods. Additionally, insulation in walls, roofs, and floors improves energy efficiency by minimising heat loss and gain, ensuring a stable and comfortable indoor climate throughout the year.

Many universities today focus more on digitisation, luxury, and grandeur, often neglecting fundamental aspects of education such as essential classroom conditions. As a result, efforts to make education more effective are falling short. Experts argue that ensuring quality education in a conducive learning environment should be the primary focus of universities.

Over the past three decades, rural schools in Bangladesh have seen significant infrastructural improvements. Many of these institutions, once constructed with tin or half-wall tin sheds and often lacking electricity, are now built with bricks and have reliable power access. This progress reflects a growing commitment to improving the educational landscape.

The learning environment is not just a passive backdrop but an active participant in the educational process. Thoughtful classroom design that prioritises comfort, engagement, and well-being can significantly enhance students' learning experiences and outcomes. It is about creating spaces where students feel inspired, supported, and ready to reach their full potential.
 

Engineer Md Rakib Hasan is an IT professional currently serving as the Director of IT (Additional Charge) at Southeast University and can be reached at engr.hasannayan@gmail.com. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.