CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

A review of the development of classroom facilities used in education opens this chapter.
The history of classroom facilities is covered in the next part, which allows us to see how
classrooms have developed throughout the years and how the classroom affect the learning
process of students as of today.

The 1980s Classroom

Rows of desks, chalkboards, and overhead projectors: these tend to come to mind when we
imagine a school classroom. These fundamental elements of education are still there today, but
they look a little different with each passing decade. Helped along by the power of technology,
classrooms are constantly changing. Decades ago, they looked vastly different from our own
school days — and the current generation’s classrooms are even more futuristic (Staples, 2022).

The evolution of education can be attributed to changing technology, social trends, world events,
and continuing research into the ways humans best learn. Over the last four decades, K-12
education has progressed so much that a 1980s classroom might seem impractical compared to
classrooms of today. Here, we’ll explore how education has changed over time, and how it’s
continuing to evolve (Staples, 2022).

The 1990s Classroom

This decade also saw the emergence of influential classroom technology — and that’s not
including Tamagotchis. The height of educational technology at the time included CD-ROMS,
Windows 98, Microsoft PowerPoint, Floppy Disks, and the first TI-80 Graphing Calculator. The
internet (Staples, 2022).

The 2020s Classroom

Classrooms of today are filled with students who grew up with high-speed computers and
internet access everywhere. In seconds, they navigate TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, making
educational technology of the past seem laughably antiquated. However, the biggest educational
challenges were realized in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic (Staples, 2022).

In-person gatherings were limited, and schools around the world had to quickly pivot to virtual
learning. Most college students were already familiar with online courses, but even
kindergarteners now had to sit still during Zoom video classes. Schools distributed laptops and
tablets to their students, and parents made sure their children had access to reliable internet
connections. This challenging period had an undeniable impact on classrooms, and will continue
to shape the future of education. Another factor that will continue to transform classrooms of
today is learning through social (Staples, 2022).

The Effect of Classroom Environment of Student Learning

A large amount of a child’s time is spent sitting in a school classroom. This place is where they will learn
the various skills deemed necessary and proper for them to achieve success in the global society. The
classroom is where they will gain an understanding of their place in the world and the gifts that they
have to offer it. It is where the student develops what they want their future to look like, as well as
knowledge of the skills needed to reach that goal. With the classroom being such an important place in
the growth of a child it is important to understand the ways in which to affect this environment in order
to receive maximum effectiveness in instruction. If schools really do play a large role in teaching the next
generation how to be successful members of society then every precaution should be taken to make
sure that the learning environment is one that helps students thrive. The standard for many classrooms
today is to have desks aligned in rows within the classroom. This system of arrangement seems to make
students lose focus and creates a higher number of disruptions in the classroom. This structure does not
encourage interaction between students and focuses more on the student as an individual completing
their own work. Humans are social creatures that want attention, and if they aren’t going to be able to
get it from their classmates then they will commonly act out to get attention from their teacher.
(Grubagh & Houston, 2013). Classroom organization can also play a very large role in student discipline.
When a student walks into a classroom and sees that there is a large mess on the teacher’s desk and
items scattered around the floor the student can get the idea that the teacher doesn’t pay a lot of
attention to detail. With this mindset, the student may begin to look at what other flaws the teacher
might have. If a teacher does not show that they care about organization then a student will most likely
develop that attitude as well. A teacher can use this knowledge to their advantage, however, by
structuring their classroom in an organized fashion. They can post the rules on the wall so that each
student knows exactly what is expected of them and the consequences if they choose not follow them.
They can keep resources in a single location that is easily accessible to the students. They can have
specific files where they turn in work or find missing assignments. These all will promote organization
among students because the students will now have a model after which to structure things in their own
lives. Also, it will show the students that the teacher cares about detail and will most likely catch the
student trying to get away with things that are against the rules. Some students may have needs that
need to be met individually. There are ways to easily accommodate them as well without changing
things for the rest of the class. If a student has a visual impairment the teacher can either make
powerpoints in larger font or print the powerpoint off for the student to follow. If the student has a
hearing impairment the teacher can wear a microphone or have the student sit closer to where the
teacher will be speaking. They can also allow the student to use a tape recorder so they can listen to the
instructions again at home if needed. All of these can be done easily to benefit all of the students. These
circumstances can also be met with the strategy of pairing the higher academically performing students
with those that are having difficulties understanding the material. The students can repeat instructions
as needed or explain the assignment in a way that the teacher might not be able to. It will also allow the
struggling students to get help without having to address it in front of the entire class. In regards to
sound, teachers must be mindful of this element in the classroom. Sound can play a very important role
in the attention and success of a student. Things such as a noisy hallway or a student tapping their pencil
repeatedly on the desk can greatly distract a student. There are ways to counter these distractions
though. Something as simple as closing the classroom door can benefit students. Grouping students that
prefer quiet next to each other can increase their attention. It can also be beneficial to have learning
centers in the room where students can go to find a quiet place to work as well. Some students prefer to
have a little noise to prevent distractions. Allowing them to listen to their headphones quietly can
increase their productivity. Another strategy would be to turn on some music quietly for them to listen
to while they work. This could be a useful time to use students who are musical to find soothing songs
that promote concentration. Overall, the classroom environment plays a crucial role in keeping students
engaged and allowing them to be successful within the classroom. The teacher can modify the
environment to achieve these results. There is a multitude of ways in which to do this. They can arrange
the desks in different patterns. They can decorate the walls with different assignments or items.
Students can be used to help lead the classroom in the way that the teacher wants to go. Even adapting
the lighting or the temperature of the room can increase the effectiveness of instruction in the
classroom. A good teacher is aware of these elements and the importance that they play in student
success. Without giving attention to the environment of a classroom the teacher is setting their students
up to be less successful. (Grubagh & Houston, 2013)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grubagh, S., & Houston, R. (2013). The Effect of Classroom Environment on Student Learning.
Honors Theses, 1-22.

Staples. (2022). The Evolution of the Classroom. staples, 1.