If you're responsible for student success on campus, you've probably asked how your classrooms and study spaces support learning. But have you looked closely at how those spaces might be working against you?
Layouts that lock students in place, poor acoustics that muffle instruction and outdated furnishings that cause discomfort can all interfere with how students engage, how instructors teach and how learning happens. The good news is that there are clear signs indicating when your spaces are falling short and where improvements can make a real impact.
Traditional classrooms with fixed rows and immovable desks are common, but they don’t work well for today’s learning styles. These layouts discourage collaboration and limit flexibility. Instructors can’t easily switch from a lecture to group discussion without rearranging the entire room or asking students to twist in their chairs.
If you walk into a room and everything faces forward, that’s a sign the space may not be meeting current academic needs. Movable tables and chairs create options. Students can pair off or work in small groups without disrupting the entire class. Faculty get to teach with the room instead of fighting against it.
Acoustics are often overlooked. But poor sound quality makes it harder for students to hear, and over time, that can wear down their attention. When voices echo, HVAC systems hum or outside noise filters in, students miss parts of the lecture. That adds up. Some studies indicate that even minor distractions from poor acoustics can negatively impact test performance and increase fatigue.
Take a moment to listen when you enter a room. If your voice bounces back or it’s hard to hear someone speaking at a normal level, the space may need acoustic treatment. Carpet, ceiling panels and thoughtful wall materials can make a difference quickly.
Clear sightlines affect participation. If some students can’t see the front of the room or struggle to read a projected slide, you lose them. Blocked views and uneven lighting can cause frustration and keep students from staying engaged.
An ideal space allows every student to see the board, the screen and the instructor without straining. Screens should be large enough to read from the back row. Lighting should adjust easily to support screen use and note-taking. Even natural light can help, as long as it doesn’t create glare.
Comfort matters. If chairs are too rigid or desks are too small, students get distracted. Old furnishings might seem functional, but they often fall short when students use laptops, collaborate in groups or try to stay comfortable during a 90-minute class.
Modern furniture is designed for movement and variety. When students can adjust their seating and workspace, they tend to stay more focused. Look for signs of wear, cramped spaces or surfaces that no longer meet the needs of digital learning. If it’s uncomfortable for a short meeting, it’s likely a problem for a full class.
Comfort also includes what you can’t always see—air quality, temperature and breathing room. If a room feels too hot or too cramped, students check out mentally. Overcrowded classes or stuffy air conditions can undermine even the best teaching.
Walkthroughs should consider these environmental factors. Is the space adaptable throughout the day? Can students spread out for group work? Are there nearby breakout areas or study spaces that support different learning needs?
The signs are usually easy to spot if you know where to look. If classrooms feel stuck in the past or seem like they’re forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, that’s a cue something needs to change. Learning happens best in spaces that match how students interact, explore and collaborate.
Upgrading a room doesn't always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes it's about making targeted improvements that support the way your campus teaches today. Start by identifying the spaces that aren’t keeping up. From there, you can begin to make changes that truly support student success.
Check out our blog for more insights into design trends, or contact our team for expert guidance on your next project.