A Letter to Teachers from My Student Conversations about Learning Spaces

Dear Loving, Caring Teacher,

I wanted to share some thoughts on how our classroom environment might be impacting our learning and well-being. I believe that making a few changes could really help us focus better and feel more comfortable. Here are some observations I’ve made:

1. Overly Rigid Seating Arrangements

In our classroom, the fixed desks arranged in rows make it hard for us to collaborate and move around. This setup limits our engagement and can sometimes lead to more behavior problems because we can’t interact or choose our best learning spot.

2. Poor Lighting Conditions

The lighting in our classroom feels really harsh, and we don’t get much natural light. This often causes eye strain and headaches, making it difficult to concentrate. I’ve read that better lighting can help improve focus and reduce absenteeism.

3. High Noise Levels

Our classroom can get quite noisy, especially from outside distractions or poor acoustics. This makes it hard to hear and understand what’s being taught, leading to frustration and stress.

4. Lack of Flexible Learning Spaces

We don’t have different areas for group work, independent study, or creative projects. Being forced to engage in the same type of learning at the same time doesn’t cater to our diverse learning styles and needs, reducing our engagement and understanding.

5. Inadequate Ventilation and Poor Air Quality

Sometimes the air in our classroom feels stuffy and uncomfortable. Poor ventilation can lead to health issues like headaches and fatigue, which make it harder to learn and pay attention.

6. Overcrowded Spaces

Our classroom feels cramped, which increases stress levels and makes it harder for us to focus. Overcrowding also limits the teacher’s ability to give us individual attention, leading to more disruptive behavior.

7. Visually Overstimulating or Understimulating Environments

The walls in our classroom are either too cluttered with visual information or completely bare. Both extremes can be distracting or uninspiring, especially for students with ADHD or sensory processing issues. A balanced environment would help us feel more comfortable and focused.

8. Lack of Access to Nature and Outdoor Spaces

We don’t have views of the outside world or access to outdoor learning environments. Having a connection to nature can improve our mental health, reduce stress, and enhance our cognitive function. It would be great to have opportunities for learning outside.

I think making some changes in these areas could really help improve our learning experience. Thank you for considering my suggestions.

Sincerely,

All of Your Students