Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

A sound foundation? What we know about the impact of environments on learning and the implications for Building Schools for the Future

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Pamela Woolner, Dr Elaine Hall, Steven Higgins, Caroline McCaughey, Dr Kate Wall

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

This paper reports on a literature review conducted in the UK for the Design Council and CfBT (Higgins et al., 2005) which looked at the evidence of the impact of environments on learning in schools. We have reviewed the available evidence regarding different facets of the physical environment and provided an analysis based on different areas of effect, including the extent to which different facets interact (positively and negatively) with one another. Our conclusions suggest that, although the research often indicates the parameters of an effective environment, there is an overall lack of empirical evidence about the impact of individual elements of the physical environment which might inform school design at a practical level to support student achievement. However, at a secondary level of analysis, there are indications that environmental change can be part of a catalytic process of school development and improvement. The implications of these findings for Building Schools for the Future will be discussed. © 2007 Taylor & Francis.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Woolner P, Hall E, Higgins S, McCaughey C, Wall K

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Oxford Review of Education

Year: 2007

Volume: 33

Issue: 1

Pages: 47-70

ISSN (print): 0305-4985

ISSN (electronic): 1465-3915

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03054980601094693

DOI: 10.1080/03054980601094693


Share