How do facilities affect student learning?

There are many factors that determine the success of students at school. Parents often measure their child’s success based on grades, but the quality of a school’s teaching and learning environment and its facilities have a vital influence on a child’s overall development. In this article, we are going to discuss the ways in which facilities affect student learning and why it is an important consideration for parents when choosing the right school for their child.

Provides Unique Opportunities for Students

Many subjects and specialities are dependent on facilities, and if a school cannot provide the right environment, there may be little to no opportunity for a student to pursue that subject. A school that can provide a range of high-quality facilities can offer opportunities students may not be able to find at another school. For example, a student looking to pursue their interests in the performing arts would benefit from a studio and a theatre to perform in. This is the same for sports; state-of-the-art facilities can present students with the opportunity to take their talents to a level they may not reach elsewhere. Facilities should be an important consideration for students looking to study a specialist subject or who have real ambitions of pursuing a career in sports or the performing arts.

Classroom Size and Space Can Impact Quality of Learning

The quality of facilities a school provides impacts class sizes, which are proven to influence student learning. According to an article by Penn State University, overcrowded classrooms have been consistently linked to increased levels of aggression and decreased levels of learning. Alternatively, classrooms with ample space provide a learning environment that increases student engagement and learning. Spacious classrooms allow for seating arrangements that best suit the individual needs of each student and can create the option of private study areas where students can work uninterrupted, free from distractions.

At Nord Anglia Education, our unique, personalised learning approach ensures all our schools have an excellent student-teacher ratio and all our classrooms have a max capacity that helps our teachers provide the time and support students need to thrive.

Improves Environmental Conditions

Schools with fantastic facilities, including low noise levels, proper air circulation, natural lighting, and regulated temperatures, have been shown to improve student performance. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.

Acoustics and Noise

Noise levels affect both teachers and students. Excessive noise is a distraction, impacting how well teachers can do their job and how well students can listen and learn from their teacher. There is a link between less external noise and greater student engagement and achievement. Facilities that consider acoustics and noise will see better results from both teachers and students.

Air Quality 

Poor air quality isn’t good for children’s health, and health issues can impact a student’s ability to concentrate and learn. High-quality, modern facilities factor in air quality and provide good air ventilation, meaning these types of health issues don’t have to be a concern for child or parent.

Natural Lighting 

Research highlighted in the article by Penn State University says students exposed to the most natural light progressed 20% faster in math and 26% faster in reading. Facilities that factor in the value of natural light could have a positive effect on student learning.

Temperature 

Temperature affects our engagement and overall productivity levels. Facilities affect student learning because those with control over the temperature can provide better working conditions for their students, particularly in countries that experience more drastic weather patterns.

Increases Social Interaction

Outside of the classroom, the best schools have spaces that promote social interactions, which can improve student learning because it helps build comradery and improve teamwork. Providing facilities where students can play during break times, develop new interests and make friends is an important part of school. A good example would be outdoor facilities and indoor sports pitches — these are places children can relax or burn off some of the energy they built up during their time in lessons, allowing them to refresh and refocus when they return to class.

Enhances Teacher Job Satisfaction

How facilities affect student learning doesn’t just come down to how they influence the children, but also the positive effect they have on teachers. A school that provides a teacher with the facilities and resources they need to get the best out of their job is going to improve job satisfaction and staff retention. And a school that attracts the best teachers is going to provide the best education for its students.

Nord Anglia Education has a real focus on providing improvements and innovations when it comes to our school facilities. The learning approach and environment we provide our students is a priority, and that is why our schools have state-of-the-art facilities and specialty rooms for science, technology, computing, art and music. If you want to learn more about the facilities at our school and the premium education we provide, you can find all the information you need here.

Article shared from Nord Anglia Education.