A just released study that will undoubtedly surprise many has found that university students are much more interested in substance than they are in bling. Commissioned by Steelcase Education Solutions, the study found that 51 percent of the university students who responded to the survey said that classrooms are the top campus environment factor they considered when selecting their present college or university.
What is especially interesting about the study is that schools have long touted their athletic facilities, dining areas, and other non-classroom facilities in their never-ending efforts to recruit new students. However, only 23 percent of the respondents said athletic facilities were their top concern, while just 24 percent went with dining facilities.
Students Want To Learn
It turns out that most students do in fact want to go to university to learn. Nearly three-quarters of the respondents reported that being engaged in the classroom helps them learn and to also feel as if they are part of the university community. However, a bit less than one-third of the students said that they frequently are not engaged in the classroom.
Facility managers and other university leaders need to understand that students want classrooms, facilities, and other areas that are conducive to learning. In fact, they would prefer that colleges and universities devote resources to these areas rather than to elaborate sporting facilities and fancy dining areas. “While these findings may surprise some, students spend most of their time at school in the classroom, so providing flexible and inspiring learning environments is an investment worth making,” said Mark Walters, Director of Product Management of Steelcase Education Solutions.
Facility Managers Can Help
There are many things that facility managers can do to help their schools provide students with environments that are conducive to learning. Of course, the first thing that ought to be done is to schedule regular cleaning and maintenance tasks in their computer maintenance management software. After all, a dirty classroom is not one that is easy to concentrate within.
Next, facility managers need to stock classrooms with furniture that is easy to be moved in order to give the teachers and students flexibility when it comes to choosing the layout of the classroom. Many studies have found that students do better in classes where they sit in groups as opposed to sitting in front-facing rows. Also, facility managers must keep in mind the ergonomic needs of the students when they are purchasing classroom equipment and furniture. The more comfortable they are, the better they will learn.
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