Students at QC may often feel uncomfortable or distracted in their current classroom environments. For instance, the search for the least wobbly desk, ensuring accommodations for left-handed students, or trying to find the cleanest desk closest to a friend can be tedious and frustrating. These small but significant inconveniences can ultimately lead to decreased focus and engagement during lessons. According to Shiraz University Of Medical Sciences, a study indicates that students would “prefer to sit on the floor rather than behind a desk or office chair habitually because it would be more convenient to use the laptop in various positions” (Jafarvand). This leads to deficient posture and leads to the obvious question: Why would students rather sit on an uncomfortable floor while being lectured rather than sit comfortably in a desk? Clearly, the desks these students had been learning in extremely uncomfortable desks, perhaps outdated. 

Most people would likely agree that being in a more modern and comfortable classroom—especially one where you can sit with friends—can contribute to a more positive mood and improved learning experience. Research supports this idea. A study conducted at a high school surveyed students about their preferences for classroom settings, specifically asking whether they would prefer a more interactive layout and better lighting. After implementing changes based on these preferences, the results revealed that students who were placed in classrooms with enhanced features performed noticeably better on in-class assignments.

“Today’s students face new challenges every day—from evolving technology to feeling comfortable in the classroom” (Taylor). Solving this issue of student uncomfortability will help maximize classroom engagement and academic prosperity.

Would you agree that a similar setup could improve your productivity and overall classroom experience as well? How might these changes impact your ability to stay engaged and motivated in class?

“Transitioning from high school to college, I anticipated the desks being more inclusive. In high school, the desks were geared towards right-handed students with a bar on the right side, however, I am a left-handed student. Coming to college, I had hoped for a change in this outdated system and structure of the desks and classrooms. Now, not only am I hoping to revolutionize the modern desk, but to change and the environment in which students learn.” – Alexis Pollack 

“My first class of the day is in Kiely Hall, a building that feels outdated and unaccommodating. In a class of twenty students, there is only one left-handed desk available, leaving me, one of two left-handed students, without a suitable option. As a result, I struggle to take notes comfortably, which directly affects my ability to focus and learn. This experience not only hinders my academic performance but also leaves me feeling unwelcome in the classroom.” – Josiah Gampel

How do campus facilities fail to accommodate left-handed, disabled and larger individuals in the classroom?