THE IMPORTANCE OF ADEQUATE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

TO G12 STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

IN HSU 1ST SEMESTER

A.Y. 2017-2018
 CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

The study is inspired by personal experience of the researchers. The

researchers found that an unsatisfactory condition exists or there are felt problems
existing inside the classrooms at the Higher School ng UMak.
The researchers chose this topic to acquire a better and deeper
understanding about the importance and effects of adequate classroom environment to
education. In knowing this, people can recognize any problems concerning the classroom
environment. In being aware of problems, people can then find solutions.
The researchers thought of what characteristics make an adequate or
inadequate classroom. They observed their own classroom environment and took notice
of its deficiencies and how it negatively affects the teaching and learning process inside
the classroom.
The researchers then searched for the components that make up for an
adequate classroom and how it contributes to the activities that occur in the classroom.
According to Schneider (2002), a clean, quiet, safe, comfortable, and healthy
environment are an important component of successful teaching and learning. The
research is examined here in six categories: indoor air quality, ventilation, and thermal
comfort; lighting, building age and quality; school size; and class size.

Background

History-world.org (2007) claims that knowledge became too complicated to

transmit directly from person to person and from generation to generation. To be able to
function in complex societies, man needed some way of accumulating, recording and
preserving his cultural heritage. So, with the rise of trade, government, and formal religion
came the invention of writing, by about 3100 BC.
Because firsthand experience in everyday living could not teach such skills
as reading and writing, a place devoted exclusively to learning -- the school -- appeared.
Schools became an essential part of our lives in a way of learning. We cannot deny the
fact that school has a massive impact on our learning on various things.

School was created to facilitate people who are in need of knowledge along
with the school are the classrooms.

The researchers intend to look towards the importance of classroom

adequacy and how does it affect the people in it on their study and obtain liable
information to solve the problem to enhance the reader’s mind about this.

Classroom environment is one of the most important factors affecting student

learning. Simply put, students learn better when they view the learning environment as
positive and supportive (Dorman, Aldridge, & Fraser, 2006). A positive environment is
one in which students feel a sense of belonging, trust others, and feel encouraged to
tackle challenges, take risks, and ask questions (Bucholz&Sheffler, 2009). Such an
environment provides relevant content, clear learning goals and feedback, opportunities
to build social skills, and strategies to help students succeed (Weimer, 2009).

Based on the study conducted by Western Michigan’s University (2013), at the

beginning of the school year, a child will start spending a lot of their time in the classroom
to learn various skills to help them to be successful in the future. The teachers create,
provide, or facilitate the classroom environment for learning because it affects the morale
and the student’s learning. The classroom is where the students will gain an
understanding of their place in the world and the gifts that they have to offer it. It is where
the student develops what they want their future to look like, as well as knowledge of the
skills needed to reach that goal. With the classroom being such an important place in the
growth of a child it is important to understand the ways in which to affect this environment
in order to receive maximum effectiveness in instruction.

Research into educational methods reveals that classroom environment is an

essential part of the learning process, and learning objective one that, when employing
the various senses, provides stimulation for students. Classroom environment has the
potential to stimulate a child’ curiosity, maximize a child’s brain in the learning process
and create motivation in the classroom. It is well understood that barren and sterile
environments can be restrictive and non-stimulating.

Salford University’s report suggests that by putting an average ability student

in the least effective, as opposed to the most effective classroom environment could affect
their academic progress by as much as the average improvement across a year.
Reviewing classroom design should be a key priority for teachers across the education
sector, particularly when the pressure is on to make the most of space.

The University of Salford’s as well, publicized recent study shows that the
classroom environment can affect pupil’s learning and academic progress by as much as
25%.

On the other hand, it is the belief of the researchers that with the various
data gathered, they would have a massive contribution towards attaining ample
information on the importance of adequate classrooms.

This study will serve as a reliable reference for educational purpose. The
researchers intend to have interviews with key informants such as teachers.

Statement of the Problem

The researchers intend to find out or understand the effects of the different
characteristics and components of a classroom to the learning of Grade 12 students
currently studying in the University of Makati.

The study specifically aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the student respondent according to the

following?
1.1 Course/ Strand
1.2 Grade and Section
1.3 Building and Room Number
1.4 Sex
 1.5 Age
2. What are the different types of classroom environment?
3. What impact does the classroom environment have on student behavior,
motivation, learning and achievement?
4. What are the effects of the components/elements of school learning
environments to pupil behavior, motivation, learning and achievement, and
why?

Significance of the Study

This study seeks to find out the importance of an adequate classroom environment
on how it affects the grade 12 students’ and teachers’ learning process inside the
classrooms of Higher School ng UMak. The researchers would like to seek the attention
of those who are involved in the matter. The researchers hope for the study to be of value
to the city government and to the community for them to become more aware of the
effects on an adequate classroom environment to the students’ education.

The findings of this study might benefit the following:

• University Administrator

This study will help them construct a better environment that would benefit
all the students at the university.

• Teachers

This study might provide an insight to them pertaining to the behavior of

students inside the classroom. This might be of help to them in creating an
environment that is suitable for their students.

• Students

This study might provide insight to them pertaining to their own behavior
inside the classroom and how they can help themselves by creating a better
classroom environment for them.
 • Parents

This study will help parents to better understand their child’s behavior and
performances inside the classroom. This study can give them information and help
them understand if there are any concerns regarding their child’s education. With
this, they can bring any concerns to the teachers or school administration directly.

• Society

This research will be of help to the society to be aware of the importance of

the classroom environment and its effects on the education of students.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will be conducted to determine the factors and importance of an
adequate classroom environment to the academic performance of students and the
effectiveness of the teaching of teachers in the Higher School ng UMak during the
Academic Year 2017-2018. The factors of the classroom environment that the
researchers are looking into are the class size, temperature, noise, lightings, and air
ventilation.

Only 110 grade 12 students and 10 teachers will be given the survey
questionnaires.
Definition of Terms
Classroom - is a room, typically in a school, in which a class of students is taught.

Class Size – refers to the number of students in a classroom.

Environment - the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or

operates.

Higher School ng UMak - (HSU) is a department inside the premises of UMAK where
Senior High school students are accommodated.

Indoor Air Quality - is a term which refers to the air quality within and around buildings
and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.

Learning Environment - is the place where teaching and learning take place in the most
effective and productive manner.

Moderate Temperature – refers to the temperature that is neutral, not too warm or cool.
(23 - 26°C/ 73 - 79°F)

Thermal Comfort - The appropriate combination of temperatures, warm or cool,

combined with air flow and humidity that allows one to be comfortable within the confines
of a building.
University of Makati – (UMak) is the locale of this research paper.

Ventilation - is the provision of fresh air to a room, building, etc.

Conceptual Framework and Paradigm
The effectiveness of an adequate classroom environment towards the student’s
learning depends upon the classroom characteristics and its management such as the
class size, temperature, noise, lightings, air ventilation, and how the teacher manage and
interact with students.

INPUTS PROCESS OUTPUTS

Class size Survey Effective and

questionnaire to Adequate
Temperature test the effectivity education for
Noise Pollution of having students and the
adequate teachers’
Lightings classroom schooling
environment
Air ventilation
Statistical
Treatment

Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study

 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature

As stated by Blagojevich on Illinois Resource Guide for Healthy, High Performing

School Buildings (2006), an environment with a clean, quiet, safe, comfortable, and
healthy are components for a successful teaching and learning. A building that is not
properly maintained and has deficient facilities has the potential to prevent the students’
success. Indoor Air Quality, ventilation and thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, building
age and quality, school size, and class size, are among the environmental concerns that
can hinder teacher satisfaction and student success. Students, teachers, staff, and
administrators all are affected by the physical environment. In order to make school
improvements, educators need to look at six major contributing factors that affect the
environment of the school.

A classroom with poor indoor air quality can negatively affect the health of the
students and teachers (Blagojevich, 2006). The health problems experienced by both the
teachers and students due to poor indoor air quality are asthma, respiratory problems,
and sinus infections (EPA, 2006).

Two of the environmental factors that impact both teachers and students are the
ventilation and thermal quality, which are important yet most schools lack proper
ventilation systems. Due to poor ventilation conditions, students suffer from increased
sleepiness, headaches, and inability to concentrate (Filardo, Vincent, Sung, & Stein,
2006). In addition, students’ performance in reasoning, typing, and math declines
(Schneider, 2002). The students and teachers were affected by the thermal quality that
leads them to have reduced effort, lower effectiveness in class, low morale, and reduce
job satisfaction (Moglia, Smith, MacIntosh, & Somers, 2006).

Lighting and acoustics play a role in a successful learning environment in individual

classrooms. Other researches have proven that the proper lighting and good acoustics
that a classroom possess, improves the students’ academic performances. Schools that
have excessive noises and/or outside distractions reflect students display of stress and
dissatisfaction in the classroom (EPA, 2006).

Related Studies
According to Young, there are many important things to consider when arranging
a classroom. There is the arrangement of seats and the furnishing. When it comes to the
seating arrangement, it must be convenient and must not cause any traffic distractions.
Also, the entrance of the classroom and the hallway outside should not cause distractions
during lessons. The temperature and the lighting inside the classroom are also factors to
consider.

Young states in his article,

“Generally speaking, make sure that the room temperature is moderate to cool.
Warm classrooms tend to lead students to be more sleepy, inattentive, and consequently
bored and disruptive. If necessary, use a fan to maintain a good airflow, keeping the room
cooler. If your room has windows that open, check to make sure they can be opened
easily. Outside air is a bonus for several months of the year.
Make sure that the lighting in the room is adequate. If you have bulbs that need to
be replaced, ask the school custodian to change them. If your room has windows with
blinds, make sure that they are operable so that you use natural light as an additional
lighting source. You might also consider bringing some lamps into your classroom, if fire
regulations permit.”
Using natural light can benefit students and teachers by physical and physiological
means. Natural light is shown to benefit the health, concentration and even test scores of
pupils (INNOVA, 2014).

A carefully balanced lighting system has factors which include illuminance,

uniformity, glare, flicker and colour, in order to provide optimal learning conditions.

“Illuminance refers to the average light level in an area. Low illuminance has been linked
to slower reading, reduced concentration, poor posture and long term weakened vision.
An excessive variation of illuminance can also be an issue – this has been shown to
actually reduce visual performance, causing discomfort and hyperactivity. A level
of uniformity needs to be achieved to avoid excessive contrast and distraction.

Glare occurs where a bright image or object that is not the one the pupil wants to see is
perceived directly, or via reflected light. Although pupils will attempt to compensate,
perhaps by squinting or turning their head, glare still interferes significantly with visual
tasks and can result in headaches, eyestrain, reduced concentration and diminished
productivity.

Flicker is produced by certain lighting equipment and can result in discomfort or irritation.
At a more serious level, it can lead to visual disturbance – for example, making moving
objects or machinery appear stationary. Flicker can also trigger epilepsy and exacerbate
various other conditions.

Colour also plays a vital role in the learning environment and good colour rendering
performance is essential for effective learning, allowing pupils to make accurate colour
judgments.” (INNOVA, 2014)

In an article by Cobham in 2013, he stated that the students’ concentration in their

class could be improved with the right kind and quantity of lighting. He also discussed
about the studies conducted in the Netherlands and Germany where two school
classrooms were installed with lighting systems where the teachers had the choice of four
lighting settings.

“The idea was to use light as an aid to help structure a day better for students. In
the early morning a higher illuminance level and cooler colour temperature (visual
appearance of the light) was chosen by the teachers and then as the day progressed
teachers were able to choose from the four settings, the appropriate ambiance for the
situation: Energy, Focus, Calm and Normal. “Normal” was a setting meeting the basic
European lighting recommendations for classrooms. “Calm” included a warmer colour
temperature and Focus a higher illuminance level and cooler light.” (Cobham, 2013)
 Based on an article by Sabornie, in making the seating arrangement, the teachers
should consider giving an adequate space to each student desk to reduce density. Space
density in instructional settings has been shown to be associated with student
dissatisfaction, increased aggressiveness, and off-task behavior.
 CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The study will be conducted using a research design; descriptive directive and
quantitative method of research. Descriptive directive will be used to describe the existing
unsatisfactory condition. This will also be used to determine what should be done to
remedy the unsatisfactory condition based on the findings. The quantitative method of
research will be used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or data
that can be transformed into useable statistics. It is used to quantify attitudes, opinions,
behaviors, and other defined variables – and generalize results from a larger sample
population. It also provides insights into the problem or situation, in which it is appropriate
to use in identifying the importance of an adequate classroom.

Population and Sampling Procedure

The study employed a non-probability sampling procedure. The students and
teachers respondents will be identified using purposive sampling technique in a selection
of student and teacher respondents. The researchers selected only the class sections
and the teachers with the schedule fit with their own schedule. Hence, the respondents
that will be involved must be aware of the environment they are in.

Research Locale
The University of Makati traces its roots from Makati Polytechnic Community
College, which was founded in 1972. Due to the growing number of curricular offerings,
its status was elevated to a full-fledged college in 1987, and was renamed as Makati
College. Three years later, it was merged with the former Fort Andres Bonifacio College
on January 10, 1990. This event paved the way for the transformation of the college into
a university.
 By virtue of Municipal Ordinance No. 433, the Pamantasanng Makati became a
chartered university on December 19, 1991 under the administration of Mayor Jejomar
C. Binay. On August 27, 2002, City Ordinance 2002-111 was approved amending City
Ordinance No. 99-443 to revise the Pamantasanng Makati Charter. The official name of
Pamantasanng Makati was then changed to University of Makati.

The research centered inside the premises of University of Makati (UMak) under
the Higher School of UMak (HSU) department which resides at J.P Rizal Ext. West
Rembo, Makati City. The said department was established on AY 2012-2013 after the
implementation of the K12 program by DepED and has been starting to accept enrollees
which are known as the grades 11 and 12. The main purpose of this program is to
enhance the student’s skills before they make their final choice for their course on college
whereas, students are given different tracks to choose on; Science Technology
Engineering Mathematics (STEM), Accountancy Business Management (ABM),
Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) and Technical Vocational Livelihood (TVL).

HSU informally began classes in June 2012 with 5,000 students. In August of that year,
a memorandum of agreement was signed between UMak, DepEd and the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority to formally launch the senior high school.

Today, it has its own dean, college secretary and a principal. The faculty is
composed of dedicated HSU professors and professors coming from the different
colleges of the university.

Research Instrument/ Tools

This study utilized two of self-made questionnaires. The first one was the
assessment survey tool, to know the classroom environment that the students occupy for
their everyday learning and how it affects their progress in school and be able to identify
how a classroom is a major factor of their study.
 The second one, which was made for the teachers, is a survey tool to know what
the teachers know about the importance of classroom adequacy and how it affects the
progress of their students in terms of behavior and performance. Also, to be able to gather
information based on their own experience and observation throughout their years of
teaching.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers will proceed to the classrooms that the grade 12 students and
teachers occupy.

The students and teachers will then be given the survey questionnaires to be
answered.

The researchers will check and tally the results on the responses of the
respondents to the survey questions, and evaluated the same with the appropriate
statistical treatment techniques for interpretation.

Data Analysis
1. Frequency Distributions (f) and Percentage – this will be used as the tool in
the distribution of the assessment of the respondents’ answers.
𝒇
Formula: % = 𝑵 X 100

f = frequency
N = total number of respondents
2. Mean – will be used in the computation of the average scores of the
respondents’ assessments;
∑𝒇
Formula: Mean = 𝑵

Σf = summation of frequency
N = total number of given
 CHAPTER IV
PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

Respondents’ Perception on the Importance of an Adequate Classroom

Environment
To further explain and prove the hypothesis that an adequate classroom
environment is important, a survey was conducted for the grade 12 students and teachers
in HSU. The survey probed the consciousness of the respondents about the importance
of an adequate classroom environment. The results for the students are indicated in Table
1 and for the teachers in Table 2.
Response
Students’ Perception on STRONGLY STRONGLY
AGREE DISAGREE
the Importance of an Adequate Classroom Environment AGREE DISAGREE
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE FREQUENY PERCENTAGE
1. I am aware that our classroom environment greatly
affects our academic performance.
56 51% 44 40% 9 8% 1 1%

2. I can focus in class when there is noise. 11 10% 16 14% 56 51% 27 25%
3. I am comfortable with our classroom arrangement.
(e.g. seating arrangement)
28 25% 65 59% 15 14% 2 2%

4. I can participate well in our class despite our class size. 23 21% 80 73% 6 5% 1 1%

5. I can study even when the classroom is messy. 4 3% 39 35% 45 41% 22 21%
6. I can still concentrate even when the room is hot. 8 7% 21 19% 46 42% 35 32%
7. I am more comfortable in air-conditioned classrooms. 60 54% 46 42% 4 4% 0 0%
8. I perform better with natural lighting. 33 30% 72 65% 6 5% 0 0%
9. I perform better with artificial lighting
(e.g. fluorescent bulbs)
14 12% 71 65% 25 23% 0 0%
10. Our classroom’s ventilation system (circulation of air)
is sufficient.
15 14% 54 49% 34 31% 7 6%

Table 1: Students’ Perception on the Importance of an Adequate Classroom Environment

 Student's Perception on the Importance of an
Adequate Classroom Environment
90
F
80
r
70
e
q 60
Strongly Agree
u 50
Agree
e 40
Disagree
n
30 Strongly Disagree
c
20
y
10

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Figure 2. Bar Graph of the Students’ Perception on the Importance of an Adequate

Classroom

The results of the survey for the students showed that 91% of the students are aware
of the impact of the classroom environment to their academic performance while 9% of
the population is not. This concludes that most may be aware, but there is still a
percentage of the population that needs to be educated about the classroom
environment’s effects and importance. In the perception of the students about their
respective classroom environment, the results of the survey showed that the
inconvenience mostly felt was the noise pollution, the mess in their classroom, and the
hot temperature. The students disagreed that they are still able to concentrate and
participate in class despite the noise pollution (76% voted), mess (62% voted), hot
temperature (74% voted). On the other hand, 96% of the students find comfort in air-
conditioned rooms, 94% are comfortable with their classroom arrangement, 95% perform
well with natural lighting, 77% perform well with artificial lighting; which concludes that
most of the population can perform well with either natural light and artificial light, although
more voted for natural lighting which means they perform better with it. The classroom’s
 ventilation is sufficient for 63% of the students while the 37% of the population are
unsatisfied with the ventilation system of their classrooms.

Response
Teachers’ Perception on STRONGLY STRONGLY
AGREE DISAGREE
the Importance of an Adequate Classroom Environment AGREE DISAGREE
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE FREQUENY PERCENTAGE
1. Physical surroundings affect the ways of my teaching and
the performance of the students.
7 70% 3 30% 0 0% 0 0%

2. I teach efficiently with an adequate facility for my classes. 8 80% 2 20% 0 0% 0 0%

3. I can see that with a moderate temperature my class can
concentrate more in their studies.
7 70% 2 20% 1 10% 0 0%

4. Ventilation system is sufficient for my classes when I teach. 2 20% 7 70% 0 0% 1 10%
5. I can teach even if there is noise outside or inside the
classroom.
1 10% 4 40% 4 40% 1 10%

6. I teach better when artificial light is on. 4 40% 3 30% 2 20% 1 10%
7. I teach better with natural light only. 4 40% 6 60% 0 0% 0 0%
8. I can concentrate on teaching with well-ventilated
classroom.
8 80% 2 20% 0 0% 0 0%

9. I can teach with a pleasant odor inside classroom. 5 50% 4 40% 1 10% 0 0%

10. A classroom gives me a sufficient space for my class. 3 30% 5 50% 2 20% 0 0%

Table 2: Teachers’ Perception on the Importance of an Adequate Classroom Environment

 Teacher's Perception on the Importance of an
Adequate Classroom Environment
9
8
F
r 7
e 6
q Strongly Agree
5
u Agree
4
e Disagree
n 3 Strongly Disagree
c 2
y 1
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Figure 3. Bar Graph of the Teachers’ Perception on the Importance of an Adequate

Classroom Environment

The results of the survey for the teachers showed that 100% of the teachers are aware
that the physical surroundings affect the ways of their teaching and the performance of
their students. The teachers observed that they teach efficiently with adequate facilities
for their class and that their students concentrate more in their studies with a moderate
temperature. 80% of the teachers also agreed that the ventilation system is sufficient for
their class when they teach while the remaining 10% disagreed with it. On the other hand,
50% of the teachers said that they can teach even though there is noise around the
classroom while the other half can’t. The lightings of the room also affect the way of their
teaching. 100% of the population teach better with natural light while there are also 70%
of them want to teach with the artificial lights on. The teachers concentrate on teaching
with well-ventilated classrooms and with pleasant odor on their classroom. For the
sufficient space of the classroom for their class, 80% agreed that they have it while the
20% don’t have it.
MEAN

STRONGLY AGREE DISAGREE STRONGLY TOTAL

AGREE DISAGREE

STUDENTS 23% 46% 22% 9% 100%

TEACHERS 49% 38% 10% 3% 100%

Table 3: Mean scores of the students and teacher’s assessment

 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary
The grade 12 students and teachers in the Higher School of UMAK are
experiencing unsatisfactory conditions in their classroom environment. To address this
concern the researchers decided upon focusing on understanding the classroom
environment, its characteristics and its effects to the students and teachers with the
purpose of making known the study conducted as well as formulating a solution to the
problem. The survey conducted was distributed to the grade 12 students and teachers
that resulted negative satisfaction of their respective classroom environment.

Conclusion
The results of the survey showed that the unsatisfactory conditions felt in the
classroom gave negative effects such as: loss of concentration, discomfort, and poor
performance. Most of the student respondents are aware of the effects of the classroom
environment to their academic performance and all of the teacher respondents are aware
that the classroom environment greatly affects their teaching and their students’
performance inside the classroom. The teachers also agree that adequate facilities are
important for an efficient teaching. The issues mostly faced by the occupants of the
classroom are the noise pollution, the mess, and the hot temperature.

Recommendation
With the conclusion formulated about the study conducted, the suggested action
that should take place is that the school administration renovates the classrooms that fit
the students and teachers’ needs. With this, it may improve the performance of both the
students and teachers.
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