EFFECTS OF CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT TO THE

COMFORTABILTY OF STUDENTS

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty of Senior High School

Department, Lagao National High School, Aparente Street,

Purok Malakas, General Santos City

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements in

Practical Research 2

By:

Chazmer Exequiel L. Rambong

Magnolia Helena Q. Nacional
David Sardonyx C. Sueno
Jench Andrei O. Abao
Nathaniel B. Rabanos
Kvein Joe Salabit
Leeloo P. New

January, 2023
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The significant relationship of the classroom environment and the

comfortability of students has been brought in the table for quite a while now.

Students’ comfort levels are greatly influenced by the classroom setting.

Students’ well-being and educational experienced may be affected by

elements including lighting temperature, seating configuration and general

classroom design. Concentration, motivation and general comfort can all be

improved in a favorable atmosphere that has appropriate lighting, ventilation,

comfortable seats, and few distractions. On the other hand, a disorganized or

unwelcoming classroom may cause distractions, impaired concentration, and

lower student participation. For the purpose of encouraging effective learning

and student well-being, a positive and cozy classroom setting is crucial.

Classroom environment is influence by four factors: classroom physical

ergonomics (the arrangement of things inside the classroom), temperature

and ventilation (electric fans and windows), lighting (light source), and number

of students inside the classroom. These 4 factors play a vital role to the

comfortability of students which is influence by two factors: physical and

emotional aspects. These 2 factors will greatly affect students and their

academic journey. Source please

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 The comfortability of students inside the classroom can be the driving

point for students to become successful in their academics. Classroom

environment helps improve the comfort of students but if the environment is

not properly established, students may struggle in their academics. Source

please

This research is interesting because the problem about ergonomics

affecting the students which can affect their academic performance have

been a thing a long time ago but many people ignore this factor. The

classroom is a place where they will learn various skills and learn about the

world. So, a proper classroom design is needed.

According to a study by Mohammadreza S. (2021) School is an

environment to realize the talents, creativity, and potentials of students. The

physical condition at school has a direct effect on the comfort, concentration,

performance, learning, and efficiency of students, and also the prevalence of

diseases in them. Therefore, environmental factors such as light, noise,

ventilation, temperature, inner space condition, and furniture layout should be

taken into account in the design of schools. If these factors are not based on

ergonomic standards, the connection between teachers and students might

be interrupted and learning performance might be degraded. It is notable that

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negligence of environmental conditions and the effect of ergonomics on

learning performance increases costs, and causes waste of assets,

equipment, and energy, and decreases educational performance.

Through this study, we seek to determine the effects of classroom

environment and the extent of how it affects the level of comfortability of

students inside the classroom. The state of the classroom environment is one

of the fundamental factors to a student's learning process. It is important to

acknowledge its significant part in affecting how will the students perform

academically and act during class. Thus, this study aims to look into how

students' comfort levels are affected by the classroom setting. We intend to

identify strategies to create a more comfortable learning environment that

enhance students' focus, engagement, and overall learning outcomes, it

specifically aims to examine how elements such as lighting, temperature, and

overall classroom design influence the comfort and well-being of students

The research is conducted at Lagao National High School year 2023-

2024. This is timely to do this research because classrooms are in dire for

improvements.

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Conceptual Framework

This study will use the theory of Positive classroom learning

environment as it's framework. The said theory stipulates that the level of

comfort which the students experience in the classroom have impacts on their

learning. It will take into account the physical characteristics and attributes of

the classrooms which may affect the comfortability of the students particularly

on seating arrangement, placement of chairs and boards, internal classroom

temperature, lighting and ventilation and other related factors that may

correlate to the learning processes of students.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE

Classroom Environment Comfortability of

Students

- Classroom General
Physical Ergonomics - Psychosocial Aspects

- Temperature and - Emotional Aspects

Ventilation

- Lighting

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 Figure 1. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY.LNHS.2023

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determines the relationship between classroom

environment to the comfortability of students. Specifically, it endeavors to

answer the following queries:

This study aims to determine the relationship between classroom

environment to the comfortability of students. Specifically, it endeavors to

answer the following queries:

1. What is the level of the present environment of the classroom that affects

comfort in terms of:

a.) Classroom General Physical Ergonomics

b.) Temperature and Ventilation

c.) Lighting

d.) Number of Students

2. What is the level of comfortability of Grade 12 STEM students inside the

classroom in terms of:

a.) Psychosocial aspects

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b.) Emotional aspects

3. Is there a significant relationship between students’ comfortability and

classroom environment?

Hypotheses

The following hypotheses are to be tested in this study:

1. Classroom environment of the students has a significant relationship to

their comfortability.

2. Classroom environment has no significant relationship to their

comfortability.

Significance of the Study

This study aims to understand the impact of the classroom environment

on the comfortability of students. This is an important topic, as a comfortable
learning environment can enhance students' academic performance and
overall well-being. By identifying the factors that contribute to a comfortable
classroom environment, educators can make informed decisions about how
to create a more positive and effective learning space for their students.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

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 The research will only apply to Grade 12 STEM Students School Year

2023-2024 of Lagao National High School. In ergonomics it is only limited to

the number of left-handed chairs and right-handed chairs, students who have

eye problems (Farsighted and Nearsighted). Temperature is only limited to

the ability of students to stand the temperature of their classroom, if they are

comfortable of their classroom and number of fans inside the classroom.

Lighting if it is sufficient in the classroom. Arrangement of Students in the

classroom, if a tall person is in the backrow of the classroom.

Operational Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined operationally to provide the readers a

better understanding of this study.

Academic performance - This study refers academic performance to the

students’ achievement across various academic subjects.

Atmosphere - This term refers to the general mood or vibe gathered in a

specific area that can influence and effect the feelings and emotions of a

group of people.

Classroom – This term refers to the designated area within an educational

institution where students receive instruction from teachers or educators.

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Classroom environment - This term refers to the physical and psychological

conditions within an educational institution, influencing learning through

layout, decor, and social interactions.

Class size – This term refers to the number of students in a classroom.

Comfortability – This term refers to the state of physical and mental ease,

relaxation, and contentment, often linked to a sense of well-being.

Comfort level – This term refers to the state or degree of comfort of what is a

person feeling.

Distraction – This term refers to the occurrence when something from the

outside world or our thoughts interrupts our focus, making it hard to stay

concentrated on a particular task.

Emotional aspect – This term refers to the emotional response that the

classroom environment can bring to the students.

Environment – This term generally refers to our surroundings. But this also

refers to the attitude of a place.

Ergonomics – This refers to the arrangement of the things inside the

classroom that affects the comfortability of students.

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Farsightedness – This refers to the common condition in which you can see

objects in the distant clearly, but objects near may be blurry.

Impaired Concentration - refers to the inability to focus on tasks or activities

for an extended period, frequent distractions, difficulty in sustaining attention,

and trouble completing tasks that require mental focus. This could manifest

as an inability to follow conversations, a tendency to make careless mistakes,

or a struggle to retain information.

Improvements – according to the study this term refers to be better or

become better to certain aspects.

Lighting – This term refers to the light source that can be found in the

classroom (Light bulbs, lamps, etc.).

Nearsightedness – According to the study this term refers to the condition

when objects are near can be seen clearly, but objects far are blurry.

Psychosocial aspect - It is used in this study as the measurable

components of an individual's mental and emotional functioning, including but

not limited to behavior, cognition, emotions, and social interactions. These

can be assessed through various standardized psychological tests, self-report

measures, and observational techniques to better understand and quantify an

individual's mental processes and well-being.

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Sitting configuration – This refers to the arrangement and number of seats

inside the classroom.

Temperature – This refers to the hotness or coldness of a certain area.

Ventilation – this study refers ventilation to the process of supplying fresh air

to an enclosed space in order to refresh/remove/replace the existing

atmosphere.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter deals with pertinent writings and researches gathered to

give luminosity to the present study and to ensure validity of the research.

Classroom Environment

According to a study by Dornyei Z. and Muir C. (2019), the quality of

teaching and learning is entirely different depending on whether the

classroom is characterized by a climate of trust and support or by a

competitive, cutthroat atmosphere. If learners form cliques and subgroups

that are hostile to each other and resist any cooperation, the overall climate

will be stressful for teachers and students alike and learning effectiveness

likely to plummet.

Class Size

According to Blatchford et al. (2010), despite a long-running debate

over the effects of class size differences on educational performance there is

little evidence on the classroom processes that might be involved. The effects

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of class size differences are examined in relation to social and behavioural

adjustment and comfort to school, in terms of two dimensions: attentiveness

and peer relations. It was predicted that as class size increased there would

be more inattentiveness in class and more signs of social difficulties between

children in the form of more rejection, asocial, anxious and aggressive

behaviour, and less prosocial behaviour. To summarize, there was

confirmation that children in large classes are more distracted from work and

more often off task. The unexpected result, based on teacher ratings, that

small classes may lead to less social and more aggressive relations between

children is discussed.

Comfortability of Students

Based on the study of Shean M. & Mander D. (2020), Emotional

safety is linked to psychological well-being, favorable social and academic

outcomes, and is thought to be a defining feature of a healthy learning

environment. Clear boundaries, being respected and valued, supportive

connections, and encouragement for kids to reach their full academic, social,

and personal potential are all factors that contribute to the development of

emotional safety in schools. According to research, emotionally safe

surroundings are linked to more positive identity development, better learning

experiences, and higher emotions of value, whereas emotionally unsafe

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circumstances are linked to stress, reduced attendance at school, and less

involvement in learning. It is possible that fostering emotional safety in

schools can benefit children' behavioral, intellectual, emotional, physical, and

mental health results.

Ergonomics

According to Gumasin, et al (2023), “This paper examined the effects

of physical, cognitive, and macro-ergonomic factors on students’ learning

motivation and academic attention in distance learning using partial least

square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that

learning motivation (LM) has the strongest, most significant, and most

favorable impact on students’ academic attention and is the only construct

that directly affects it. This implies that the students who are inspired to

outperform their peers in terms of grades (LM1), expect to perform well in

class (LM2), learn the material by properly studying (LM3), prefer course

materials that spark their curiosity (LM4), and go above and beyond

expectations to comprehend the material (LM5) have a significant impact on

their academic attention (AA). This remained consistent with previous studies.

As a result, to perform well in school, a student needs goals and objectives.

This then comes with motivation, which positively affects a student’s study

routines, academic attention, ability to change, and general well-being. As per

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Çetin, goal setting is crucial in determining a student’s academic

achievement.”

According to Soltaninejad, et al. (2021), “The term “learning environment”

refers to a wide range of factors of micro design and macro economy that can

affect learning. Therefore, these factors are discussed separately in the

following sections.”

“Education and the educational environment have the most effect on

and role in the mentality and civilization of societies. Among the requirements

of educational programming is to create environments related to students’

activities. By such environments, suitable conditions for physical, mental,

emotional, and social development are provided, and the realization of these

environments entails paying attention to the details of spaces based on the

behavioral patterns of children. By studying children’s behaviors in

educational environments, researchers have emphasized items like the area

of schools, the layout of classrooms, lighting, the absence of noise, and

ventilation, which play a prime role in enhancing learning performance.

Learning motivation is boosted in children when they experience an

educational space, and they may have a sense of repulsion when this space

is not consistent with their expectations, and as a result, children show no

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interest in learning. Factors like color, form, and layout of classrooms, lighting

and ventilation, interior decoration, and educational equipment are effective in

creating interest and motivation for students to learn.” “Studies have shown

that the creativity and capabilities of an individual are formed during childhood

and the best time to improve one’s creativity and imagination power is

between the ages of two and ten years. The educational environment has a

key and important role in learning. An educational environment should be

appropriate so that all children can activate freely in it. Also, benches should

be suitable for students’ use. Professor Gary Moore showed that the quality of

newly designed spaces in preschool facilities, as a physical environment,

affects the growth, cognitive development, and social behaviors of children.

The size and form of spaces can facilitate the aggregation of individuals and

the formation of social interactions. Studies have shown that there is a direct

relationship between the educational performance of students and

classrooms’ structural conditions. Therefore, it is imperative to take these

variables into account to improve education standards in schools, preschools,

and elementary schools. Studies have shown that 72.5% of the surveyed

schools did not have the required ergonomic conditions. The physical space

of three-fourth of the surveyed schools lacks proper drinking water, toilets,

and educational equipment (blackboard, bench, etc.) suitable for the

psychological and physical conditions of students.”

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 According to Widiastuti, et al (2020), “The study aimed to determine

the factors that influence student learning comfort in the classroom and its

distribution. This explorative study employed 772 students who were

elementary school, junior high school, and senior high school students in

several Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta schools. Data collection techniques

using open questionnaires. The data analysis technique uses qualitative

analysis which consists of three stages: open coding, axial coding, and

selective coding. The results showed that the factors that influence learning

comfort of students in the classroom include: air circulation, quietness,

cleanliness, adequate & supportive facilities, and peer attendance. These five

factors are among other factors that are grouped into two: 1) factors

originating from the physical environment (of building & site themes and of

indoor space themes); and 2) factors from within its occupants (of human

themes). The theme that shows the highest influence comes from the

physical conditions in the classroom, that is indoor space themes.”

According to Boampong, et al. (2015), “The school provided desk/chair

combination to seat one student, majority of the students did not find any

appropriate chair cum table appropriate to sit on. Most students were sitting in

mono-desks that were either too low or too high due to their anthropometric

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dimensions of students. One positive thing for the research or finding was that

knee height and desk clearance were not problem for majority of students.

The heights from 185 cm to 192 cm did not find the table clearance

appropriate due their thigh clearances were above 2 cm stated by Parcells

and Stommel [8]. The level of mismatch between desk height and elbow

height becomes lower with increasing height of students. As the desk height

is too high for short students, they are supposed to raise their shoulders when

writing, which leads to the development of upper back pain. For the tallest

students, the desk height becomes relatively shorter in respect of

anthropometric measurements and therefore, the problem of upper back pain

discomfort is less prevalent. The study found out that students were sitting on

unsuitable furniture where they sat in prolonged flexed positions during class

lessons. This was due to the mismatch between their body dimensions and

furniture dimensions. Approximately 70% of the students in the study were

not within or did not find furniture suitable to their body dimensions. This

supports previous findings of Murphy et al. [10] who found that only 20% of

students found acceptable table chair/desk combination.”

According to Ansari, et al. (2018), “Long-term inappropriate posture

and discomfort, associated with improper design of chairs and desks used at

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schools and universities, are factors that may affect learning and academic

performance and physical growth of students. Therefore, chairs should be

designed based on anthropometric dimensions of users. Matching between

dimensions of chairs and users’ anthropometric dimensions and ergonomics

indices leads to more comfort for consumers. Standard design of chairs can

promote anatomical postures and comfort, which prevent inappropriate body

postures. This factor can also reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders

and increases efficiency and concentration of students at classrooms. In this

study, an ergonomic chair was designed based on ergonomics principles and

anthropometric data obtained from students to allow comfort and productivity.

Anthropometric dimensions that form the basis for the dimension of

seat height was the popliteal height and the seat height of standard chair in

this study was determined based on the 5th percentile of females’ popliteal

height. The seat height of the chair should be matched with 5th percentile of

users’ popliteal height so that short persons are also able to put their feet on

the floor easily and do not feel pressure in different parts of their body when

sitting on the chair. In this study, standard seat height without considering

shoes was 33 cm, which is consistent with findings of similar studies.

Furthermore, with 3 cm for heel height and 8 cm for the height of footrest, the

seat height was considered 44 cm, which is in accordance with BS5873 and

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standard ISIRI 7494. In the study of Thariq et al.,year of publication? this

dimension was considered 44.5 cm, which is similar to the present study. The

footrest of the designed chair was adjustable for short persons, who cannot

fully fit their legs on the floor, if they want to place their legs on this footrest.

Also, tall persons can fully close it if they do not want to use the footrest. A

basket is also available under the chair for additional equipment.”

According to Taifa and Desai (2017) other updated source please.

2019-2024 lang dapat. “The data collected in the study can be used for

designing various classroom facilities such as single seated desks, double

seated desks, drawing table (special for engineering graphics), adjustable

desk, non-adjustable desk, site of the blackboard due to consideration of

seating height, shelves for classes, location of projectors, office chairs, tables,

storage space, and so forth, which can help students to work easily and

comfortably. In this 21st century, it is highly recommended to design

adjustable facilities whenever possible. But in trying to apply adjustability for

designing product then factors like cost, design constraints, mechanism of

adjustability, time factor and so forth should be considered as the hindrance

for not allowing to have 100% adjustable.”

Lighting

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 According to a study by Abdolerza G. (2016),outdated source the

quality and quantity of light (illumination) undoubtedly influences the

perception of comfort in a particular space. Illumination has strong and well-

documented effects, but less obvious is the case of light quality [24]

undertook a study evaluating how different types of lighting (warm white, cool

white, and full-spectrum fluorescent) affect various dependent variables,

including: cognitive performance, room attractiveness, judged room size, and

pleasure of room. This means lighting is one of the key factors in classroom

environment that can affect the students’ comfortability.

Temperature and Ventilation

From a study conducted by Haverinen-Shaughnessy and

Shaughnessy (2015),outdated source They determined the effects of

classroom temperature and ventilation rate on academic achievement using a

multilevel approach. The research is based on student-level data on

socioeconomic characteristics and standardized test results, as well as

measurement data from 70 elementary school districts in the Southwest of

the United States. The correlation between ventilation rates and math scores

21
was statistically significant, and it grew stronger after filtering out the six

classrooms with high ventilation rates that were identified as outliers. In

summary, ensuring sufficient ventilation and thermal comfort in classrooms

has the potential to considerably improve students' academic performance.

According to Wang et al. (2021), For students to perform academically

well and feel satisfied overall, educational buildings have to provide

comfortable indoor thermal conditions. Through year-long field surveys that

includes simultaneous measurements of indoor thermal conditions and

student responses to surveys, this study examines seasonal variations in the

thermal environment and comfort in classrooms in the cold area of China.

Thus, ensuring the comfort and academic performance of students in

university classrooms throughout every season requires the provision of

satisfactory thermal environments.

Because of the intricate relationships between people, the unique

sociocultural context of each place, and the seasonal variations in climate,

indoor thermal comfort is a dynamic phenomenon. One of the most essential

requirements for achieving productive and good classroom performance is a

thermally comfortable indoor environment. Ensuring sufficient thermal comfort

in a naturally ventilated (NV) tropical city conditions during summer is seen to

22
be the greatest challenge. In conclusion, the findings show that, given a

thermally comfortable and well-ventilated environment, students are able to

adapt to the harsh summer weather with ease. (Talukdar et al., 2020)

Conclusion you cannot conclude unless natapos nyo ang chapter 4

In conclusion there are different factors in the classroom environment

that affect the students’ comfortability. First is the classroom ergonomics

which is the arrangement of different elements inside of a classroom like

chairs, blackboard, electric fans and windows. All elements must be properly

placed and must be designed according to the student. Second is the class

size which mostly affects the behavior of students, if a class is overcrowded

there is a tendency some students will be distracted. Third is lighting which

affects the comfortability depending to its quantity and quality of the light

source in an area. Last are the temperature and ventilation which is one of

the essential requirements for productivity.

There is also insight found like the classroom environment, according

to a literature the classrooms nature will depend to the students. If students

don’t cooperate to each other, the class may fall while in a class where

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students cooperate and help each other may create a healthy and positive

environment which can increase there performance in academics.

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 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research methodology and procedures

employed in the gathering of data for the study and answering the specific

problems. It contains the following subtopics: research design, participants

and locale of the study, sampling technique, instrument, data gathering

procedures, and statistical treatment.

Research Design

This research will use descriptive correlational design in quantitative

techniques. The researchers will seek answers in the mentioned problem

and to justify and satisfy the objectives of the study.

According to Pritha Bhandari (2020) quantitative research is a process

of collecting and analyzing numerical data. It can be used to find patterns and

averages, make predictions, test causal relationships, and generalize results

to wider population.

Locale of the Study

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 The locale of the study will be located at Lagao National High School,

Barangay San Isidro, General Santos City. The researchers will their research

in this specific location because students in this school experience harsh

classroom environment that greatly affect their comfortability. Below is the

spot map of the school’s geographic location.

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 Figure 2: Spot Map of Lagao National High School

Participants in the Study

The participants in the study will Grade 12 students of Lagao National

High School of School Year 2015-2016. Are you willing to locate all these

students who are already graduates?Grade 12 is composed of three (3)

sections. Sinong grade 12 ang may 3 sections lang? Pls be specific.

Participants in the study will be randomly selected.

Sampling Technique

The researchers will utilize the Simple Random Sampling Technique,

specifically the lottery method, to randomly select respondents for the study.

Research Instrument

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 Quantitative research means collecting and analysis of numerical

data. This kind of research helps spot patterns and trends to make

predictions or generalise results to the whole population. This study

will utilize the survey-questionnaire method to gather data and get

the quantitative results.

Data Gathering Procedure

1. The researchers identified an issue in Lagao National High School,

Senior High School Department.

2. The researchers drafted a Thesis title for the issue identified and

thereafter submitted the same to their Practical Research Instructor for

approval.

Upon approval of the said title for research study, the researchers drafted the

preliminary chapters of the research entitled EFFECTS OF CLASSROOM

ENVIRONMENT TO THE

COMFORTABILITY OF STUDENTS

3. Upon completion of the preliminary chapters, the researchers

drafted a validation sheet for the approval and validation of a school

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 grammarian.

4. A letter asking permission from the school principal to conduct the

study was also drafted by the researchers

5. Upon approval of the validation form and letter request to conduct the

study, the researchers then conducted their study by distributing the

questionnaires to the respective respondents.

6. After completion of the above mentioned questionnaires, the

researchers then will collect the same for data gathering and analysis.

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