Title:

Proxemics of the classroom – the hidden dimension of education

Creator:

Sikorski, Wiesław

Publisher:

Educational Research Institute

Date:

2013

Abstract:

This article reviews investigation into the significance of the physical environment of the classroom (proxemics) to the learning process, climate and quality of communication. It focuses on analysis of zones of distance, crowding and concentration, seating arrangements and the interior decoration of teaching space. A review of the research shows that the closer the physical distance between the teacher and students, the more conducive to higher academic performance. Lack of adequate physical space creates problems with concentration for students, decreases accuracy in performance of tasks and increases incidence of aggressive behaviour. Experts in classroom proxemics stress the importance of the seating arrangements in the classroom for the relationship between teacher and students, as well as for the process of teaching. The setting of benches in a system-series, a horseshoe or segments is frequently preferred. Researchers of classroom proxemics assure that innovative seating arrangements, brighter wall colours, colourful carpets and decoration can create a more stimulating and pleasant learning environment for the student.

Bibliographic citation:

Edukacja. 2013, 3 (123)

Subject and Keywords:

nonverbal communication ; classroom physical environment ; crowd density ; interior design physical distance ; proxemics ; seating arrangement

Coverage:

21st century

Language:

pol

Rights:

Creative Commons BY 4.0

Resource Type:

article

Format:

application/pdf

ISSN:

0239-6858