On average, people spend at least thirteen years of their life in a classroom setting. Whether it be public school, private school or even homeschooling. We all learn better in different kinds of environments, but the question is what classroom environment works best for you?
Thirteen West Wind students were given a “this or that” question format to determine their ideal classroom setting. The top results have been recorded and explained.
This or That: Lights on or Off?
There was a majority consensus on the fact that students prefer a classroom with lights off. It creates an atmosphere that feels more cozy when the typical LED lights associated with a school setting are aggressive and give many students headaches throughout the school day.
“Lights are on everywhere all day at school,” said online director Paige Levine. “Sometimes it’s nice to be in a classroom that feels a little more relaxed.”
This or That: Cooler or Warmer?
The emotions on what the preferred temperature of a classroom is were mixed, but the idea of a cooler classroom came out on top. Cooler classrooms allow students to stay awake and alert, rather than a warm classroom that makes students feel more comfortable and sleepy.
“Especially with the fall semester, you kind of get that outside chill,” said broadcast director Jacob Rumsey. “You get to dress a little cozy; you really just get to bundle yourself up with a little blanket, a hoodie, or whatever you choose to do. In my opinion, you can always get warmer; it’s hard to get colder.”
This or That: Music or No Music?
Music is one of those things that people are very picky about, but with many teachers giving the option to make class playlists, students get an opinion about the type of music that gets played in their classrooms. This is why the journalism class believes that all classrooms should have some sort of music playing in the background as they lock in and get their work done.
“I always like listening to music in the classroom,” said staff writer Mary Payton Pendergrass. “Whether the class has a playlist or I’m listening to my own in my AirPods, it helps me get my work done and focus more.”
This or That: Groups or Individual Seats?
Unsurprisingly, group seating took the lead for preferred seating, with only one vote for individual seats. Students find that group seating allows them to better communicate with their peers, and frankly, they find it more comfortable than being confined to an individual desk, especially the ones connected to the tables.
“It makes you feel less isolated and more apart of the class,” said staff writer Ava Williams. “It’s nice to be able to talk to your friends.”
Bonus: What’s your favorite hall?
Everyone has their favorite classes and classrooms, but many students find themselves in certain halls over and over again throughout their high school careers, and they grow to favor one in particular. With the interviews conducted within the journalism class, it was decided that the “New Building” was the fan favorite, with “600” and “700” halls having an equal number of four votes each.
“It’s very clean,” said editor in chief Jordan Thomas. “And most of the chill teachers are up there.”
Even though coming to school may feel like a chore, the atmosphere of a classroom is important in getting students to come to class and excited to learn.
“We walk a fine line between being overstimulated and under stimulated in school,” said journalism teacher Anna Saunders. “You want to have that sweet spot where the space is welcoming but you can also focus. So I think doing things like playing music, when the task is appropriate: having lower lights, having visual aids that are fun, but then also instructional. I think trying to strike that perfect balance makes a learning space more conducive for actual learning and collaboration and discussion. It makes people want to participate more whenever they feel comfortable in that space.”
