How Classroom Decor Impacts Learning

There's a growing body of research on how the visual environment of a class impacts – and sometimes hinders – student attention and learning.

What Research Tells Us about Classroom Decor

By Curtis Chandler

Middle Web

In the article "How Classroom Decor Impacts Learning" by Curtis Chandler, published on July 10 in MiddleWeb, the author delves into the growing body of research about how classroom environments affect student attention and learning. Chandler compares two contrasting approaches to classroom decoration taken by his colleagues: one teacher’s room is richly decorated with colorful murals and educational posters, while another’s is stark and minimalist. This comparison sets the stage for exploring the impact of classroom decor on student performance.

Visual Environment and Its Effects

The author begins by noting that our surroundings significantly influence our behavior and performance, drawing parallels to how businesses like Google and Facebook design their workspaces to enhance productivity. This insight is applied to educational settings, where the visual environment can either support or hinder student learning.

Research Insights

Chandler highlights research indicating that overly decorated classrooms can become visually noisy, creating distractions that compete for students' attention. This phenomenon is explained through the concept of the visual cortex being overloaded with multiple stimuli, akin to too many performers on a small stage, which can prevent students from focusing on their academic tasks.

Practical Suggestions for Educators

To help educators strike a balance between an engaging and functional classroom environment, Chandler offers several practical suggestions:

1. Declutter: Excessive decorations and clutter can distract students and even pose safety hazards. Chandler shares a personal anecdote about his attempt to create a visually stimulating environment with book covers and old novels, which ended up being counterproductive. He emphasizes the importance of decluttering to reduce visual noise and maintain a focus on learning.

2. Choose Colors Carefully: Colors in the classroom can significantly affect students’ emotions and sense of community. While individual color preferences can vary based on cultural background and personal experiences, research consistently shows that moderate use of color is beneficial. Chandler advises experimenting with color palettes cautiously and in moderation to create a conducive learning environment.

Research Findings

Studies from 2013, 2015, and 2022 are cited, reinforcing the idea that less visual stimulation and moderate levels of color positively impact student attention and achievement. Chandler stresses that while classrooms need not be sterile, educators should avoid overwhelming students with too much visual information.

Conclusion

Chandler concludes by encouraging educators to be mindful of their classroom decor, focusing on creating an environment that supports, rather than distracts from, student learning. He underscores the importance of moderation and intentionality in choosing decorations and colors, aiming to foster a space where students can thrive academically.

For more detailed insights, refer to the original article: How Classroom Decor Impacts Learning.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com