Ergonomics

Ergonomics is an interesting study for a classroom. It is the study of how efficiently people can work in an environment that has been designed for working. It is essential in almost all the places and spaces we use. Especially those which require us to be comfortable and give a productive output.

The ergonomics of a classroom are so crucial and important on many levels. Firstly, it makes the students very comfortable with the space. The comfortable space allows the students to absorb way more knowledge and information than they would do in a normal conventional classroom. Next, the values which are instilled in the students like interaction, reliability and co-dependency, help in making a more understanding individual who considers themself a very important part of society.

Designing a space according to the student’s needs and requirements, makes them want to interact more and it creates a convenient space for the teacher as well as the learner.

How bad ergonomics can affect students.

The schools require students to give 100 percent input through their efforts. When the students are comfortable where they are, they will not hesitate to give optimum output and will interact more with each other.

The amount of time students spend in the classroom is almost 6-8 hours, which is continuous with short time breaks. In this continuous seating, the students require a more comforting environment. This comfort to ease their bodies, keep them aware while being in the class and lastly to keep their body postures in proper shape, so as to not damage their body structure.

Most of the time when kids are seated in classrooms, the uncomfortable furniture puts their body at unease and makes them want to move around or wiggle or do any exercise to get out of such an uncomfortable position. With this unease in the mind, one can never really focus on learning. Due to continued exposure to this uncomfortable furniture, the body reacts in a healthy way, with pains and aches. One cannot expect children to learn and grow in such uncomfortable spaces.

Adjustable chairs for every student is necessary.

Since all kids are of different heights and body weights, it becomes necessary to select easily adjustable chairs, because honestly, we cannot keep holding onto one chair for a whole year. The kind of chairs used can also help in the ease of altering the layout when one prefers. In the case of certain classes, the teachers and students can effectively make the layout more interesting and interactive. These kinds of new activities make the students more excited and enthusiastic and open to learning in newer ways.

With the adjustable layout and free-flowing movements, the students feel more open to each other and are much more willing to interact with others. In this interactive environment, a student bounds to cooperate with more individuals. Suppose, in a class activity, if the students are made to sit opposite each other they can learn, see and help others with any difficulties. But, in conventional classrooms, the students will not be able to interact so effectively as in the previous case.

Theoretical learning

Theoretical learning is an older way of education and in recent times, students are more enthusiastic to study with engaging and interesting methods of teaching and learning. Having a boring monotonous decorum makes the students want to get away from the space as soon as possible. When we opt for colorful and interesting decorum like information charts, models, or even newer teaching methods with props and objects, the child’s imagination and interest in learning, both expand.

With the increase in awareness of mental health, physical health and their contribution to well-being of the society and its components which is the people is coming into the picture. The students are the future, and compromising on their abilities and skills to learn and grow would be similar to endangering the future society. With ergonomic intervention, the well-being and human emotions of interaction, sharing, and cooperation instils in the younger delicate minds.

A society that is more concerned about each other and is willing to corporate freely is something which is the need of the hour. With such awareness of society and education, we can take steps to create a better environment for the future generation.

While instilling the idea of comfort and growth side by side we are allowing the students to step away from the conventional idea of being uncomfortable in the need to grow and learn. Comfort in space is the most important aspect to make a person comfortable and be able to give maximum output in any way whatsoever.