Ergonomic Classroom Design: Creating Healthy Learning Environments

When you feel discomfort or pain, it’s hard to think about anything else. That neck ache or sharp back pain can be all-consuming. That’s not conducive to learning or working.

That’s why ergonomics - designing environments and products to align with human anatomy and behaviour - is important in the classroom setting. Ergonomic furniture is specifically designed to support the body and promote good posture, reducing the risk of discomfort or pain.

The way children are taught has evolved so it’s important that the classroom does too. The one-size-fits-all approach has been replaced by active learning experiences which require more flexible learning spaces. Here, we’ll explain the benefits of ergonomic classroom design and key ways to improve students’ physical environment.

How ergonomic classroom furniture impacts student engagement and learning

Research has shown that the physical environment of the classroom is important for learning. It pays to invest time and thought into the design and layout of the learning space. Optimise the lighting, acoustics and ventilation to create a comfortable learning environment. All of these factors help to improve students’ wellbeing and make it easier to maintain high levels of concentration. 

When students are comfortable and well-supported, they're more likely to be engaged in their learning and less likely to be distracted by discomfort or pain. Ergonomic furniture can also help prevent posture-related, musculoskeletal disorders which can be a real concern for students who spend a long period of time sitting at desks.

Traditional learning space v ergonomic classroom

In days gone by, classrooms tended to look the same. There were rows of static wooden desks and chairs facing the blackboard at the front of the room. All furniture was the same. When it came to desks and chairs, one size fit all no matter your height.

Nowadays, we have more active learning environments. There’s more technology and interactivity. And ideally, students’ differences are embraced and catered for with adjustable chairs and desks.

Some of the key differences in approach between then and now:

• One size fits all v adaptability

• Sitting for a long period of time v active learning

• Blackboard v interactive whiteboard

• Wooden desk v computer workstation

• Static classroom chairs v ergonomic chairs

• One-way dialogue (teacher monologue) v collaborative learning.

How can I make my classroom environment more ergonomic?

Healthy learning spaces are designed mindfully. Modern furniture is adjustable to suit students and also teaching staff. Ergonomic chairs promote good posture and long-term back and neck health. Adaptable sit/stand desk set-ups improve circulation, energy levels and posture. Modular furniture allows flexibility, so classrooms can be altered to suit the learning situation.

Ergonomic features to consider include:

Height-adjustable

There’s no standard size of school child, so it doesn’t make sense to have a single size of chair or desk. Look around any senior or primary school and you can’t fail to notice the variety of heights and sizes amongst the children and staff alike.

Being able to alter seat heights and even desk heights to find the most comfortable working position, will make a huge difference to comfort and posture. Ergonomic classrooms will have adjustable chairs and adjustable desks to suit students and teaching staff.

Ergonomic design

Ergonomic chairs have been designed for better posture and comfort. Look out for features like waterfall edges and back support. They’re also fit for purpose and are likely to include all important features like being versatile, easy to clean and durable. Classroom furniture has to endure plenty of use (and even abuse) so being stain-resistant and robust is a must.

Active learning

Today’s classrooms are active learning environments. Active learning spaces make teamwork and collaboration among students easy. Traditional seating arrangements were designed to keep individuals still and facing forward. Now, students are encouraged to spin around in their seats or move for group work.

Workspaces need to flow and enable students to move between zones or learning spaces. Being allowed to be naturally active can help children to feel more at ease which will aid their learning experience. Many students like to fidget and jiggle while they learn. Our Ricochet wobble stool is made to encourage this and move with the child.

Adaptability

The learning process takes varying forms. The day may progress from a teacher-led session to watching a video to collaborative group work in breakout workspaces. They layout of the classroom needs to be adaptable to support this.

Flexible seating arrangements are important for a dynamic working environment. Portable, stackable chairs can be set aside to provide extra floor space for certain group work. The furniture also needs to be lightweight so that students can lift or move it easily without injuring themselves.

Modular furniture can be rearranged to suit different learning activities. This really promotes teamwork, collaboration and engagement.

Discover KI Furniture’s ranges for schools

We have carefully designed and created our ranges of ergonomic furniture. Many secondary and primary schools have chosen our products to improve their learning environments. Take a look at our case studies to see how educational institutions across the country have benefitted from using our classroom furniture.

For example, our Postura+ One Piece Chair is the #1 school chair in the UK. It’s durable, stackable and available in a range of colours and sizes. Then there’s the adjustable Postura+ Task Chair and Task Stool which are popular choices for schools. Browse our recommended range for learning environments