The Importance of the Physical Classroom Set-up

 

Many teachers spend not only money, but also time setting up their classroom. Some classrooms have a color scheme or a theme, which is seen across all grade levels- not just elementary school ones. High school history teachers have posters, flags, etc. related to the subject material. While an elementary school classroom could have an "owl" or "forest" theme to connect the course material all together. The look is important to set to demeanor of the environment. However, that is not the only importance with the physical layout. Every table, the rug, curtains are all purposely placed for reasons that are not obvious to the consumers. 

Elementary students sitting in chairs in a circle 
learning from their teacher as she stands in front of the class

Children are loud; it is no secret. According to Julie Beeler, a Deaf education professor at the University of Tennessee, both curtains and rugs help with the acoustics within a classroom. With my hard of hearing or hearing elementary students, it is beneficial to have physical materials that can absorb sounds and vibrations to limit distractions. Another important physical aspect is seating. Every 6 feet away the teacher is from the students, around 6 dB of sound are lost. This is not a concern for the students using ASL in the classroom, but those with cochlear implants and hearing aids can be impacted greatly. By being 24 feet away from the teacher, 18 dB are lost. Distance contributes to the ability to learn the material for all students. 

As a future teacher of the Deaf and/or hard of hearing, finding ways to manipulate sound distractions are important to make the classroom more beneficial. If a student has recently been introduced to hearing assistance technology [cochlear implants, hearing aids, FM systems, etc.], it can be a sensory overload especially with the long hours at school. School can contribute to many emotions at hand, so being an accommodating teacher is a priority. The emotional side is very important to consider and should be taken into consideration always. However, if there are physical ways to make the environment not only seem less hectic but also more enjoyable to learn, they must be done. Placement is critical for my future classrooms. Students can never have their back to one another if ASL is their language of communication. Circular tables are an easy way to incorporate this ideology without overthinking it. While if a student is bilingual (English and ASL) sitting closer to the teacher helps their hearing journey, which in the long run helps with their education one as well. To me, this feels personal to keep in mind and establish early in my career. As well as incorporating the other physical aspects mentioned above.