Have you ever wondered if the way a classroom is set up could impact how well students read and learn? Research suggests that classroom design (everything from lighting and seating arrangements to wall displays and noise levels) can shape students’ reading skills. A well-designed space can help students stay focused, process information more effectively and feel more motivated to engage with reading.
In this blog, we’ll explore what the research says about classroom design and how this can make a big difference in academic achievement and reading literacy. Read on to learn more about:
- Different ways of designing a classroom environment
- What the research says about classroom design and reading literacy
- Practical implications of the research
Open-plan vs. enclosed classrooms
Classroom design plays a crucial role in student learning, especially in reading development. In the 1960s and 70s, many schools introduced open-plan classrooms, where multiple class groups shared a large space. Compared to enclosed classrooms, these layouts aimed to encourage collaboration and flexible teaching, but concerns have emerged about their impact on literacy.
One major challenge in open-plan classrooms is background noise and distractions. According to Cognitive Load Theory, working memory has a limited capacity, meaning constant noise forces students to work harder just to process information. This relates in particular to the Split Attention Effect, which happens when students process two separate sources of information at the same time. This adds strain on the brain since shifting focus between tasks requires extra time, effort and mental energy.
For students developing literacy skills, this extra mental effort can be overwhelming. When working memory is overloaded, less information moves into long-term memory, making reading retention more difficult. If students frequently struggle to focus due to classroom design, their motivation to read may also decline. These challenges highlight the need for learning spaces that reduce distractions and support student success in reading.
The research on classroom design and literacy
Over the course of one year, researchers at the University of Melbourne conducted a study involving nearly 200 children from six Australian primary schools to investigate how classroom design influences reading fluency. Each student experienced both open-plan and enclosed classrooms, rotating between the two environments each term. To ensure a fair and accurate comparison, the researchers used a portable, sound-treated dividing wall to switch between the different classroom layouts, all while keeping teaching methods, class groups, and teachers consistent.
Throughout the study, the researchers assessed reading fluency using the WARP test (which measures words read per minute) and also evaluated each student’s cognitive abilities and auditory skills. With these measures, the researchers were able to gain a comprehensive understanding of how classroom design affects literacy. Here is what they found:
1. Classroom design had a clear effect on background noise levels
Open-plan classrooms were noticeably louder, with a background noise level of 5.4 decibels higher than that of enclosed classrooms. This increase made it 10-15% more difficult for students to hear and comprehend speech during class. According to the researchers, this aligns with Cognitive Resource Allocation Theory, which suggests that when background noise interferes with hearing, the brain has to work harder to process speech. Consequently, this leaves fewer cognitive resources for student learning.
2. Enclosed classrooms promoted superior reading fluency
The study revealed that 64% of students showed faster improvement in reading fluency in enclosed classrooms compared to open-plan ones. On average, students read 6.8 fewer words per minute for each term spent in an open-plan classroom, suggesting that the quieter, more controlled environment of enclosed spaces is more conducive to reading development.
3. Weaker students struggled most in open-planned classrooms
Students with attention or speech difficulties were especially affected by open-plan classrooms. These students made slower progress in reading when exposed to the noise and distractions of open-plan environments, highlighting that classroom design disproportionately affects children with cognitive vulnerabilities.
Practical takeaways from the research
Based on the study’s results, the researchers offered two key recommendations for schools:
- Focus on classroom design – Enclosed classrooms appear to create a better environment for students to develop reading skills. They can also help children who struggle with attention or have trouble hearing in noisy spaces.
- Invest in noise-reducing solutions – If schools continue to use open-plan classrooms, they should take steps to cut down on noise and distractions. Adding soundproofing to walls and ceilings, lowering ceilings for better sound control, and using visual barriers can help create a more focused and effective learning space.
Final thoughts
Creating the right classroom atmosphere is crucial for student success. Research shows that noisy, open-plan classrooms can disrupt focus and hinder reading fluency, while enclosed classrooms offer a quieter, more supportive environment. As such, teachers and schools should consider how the physical space impacts learning, as simple changes like reducing noise can significantly improve literacy outcomes.
