Our Physical Space

What’s the Point?

Comfortability in the classroom can be divided into the physical aspects of the classroom as well as the social, emotional, and academic components of a classroom. Physical aspects of a classroom can be seen as the general classroom environment and the physical, tangible, aspects of comfort. Take in consideration the seats or desks that are provided in your classroom, the lighting, maybe even the temperature of the room. Lastly, consider the volume of your voice during the lecture.

Topic 1: Our Physical Space

But how can you accommodate this?

• Requesting tables and chairs for these students to use during your lecture! If your lecture hall already has a few desks and seats and are not currently being reserved for students with SDS accommodations (such as preferred seating), individuals using wheelchairs, or any other physical limitation. Those seats can also be used to serve students whose body may not sit comfortably in the lecture hall seats.
• Test it for yourself, sit in a few of the seats available! Does your body fit comfortably in the seat? Do you think you will be able to stay seated for the entirety of the lecture with no discomfort?

**SPACE HOLDER FOR PARAGRAPH – STILL WORKING ON**

What is within your control?

• Acknowledge the limitations of the classroom.
• If you have the ability in your classroom, move desks and tables around! Play around with seating arrangements and ask for student feedback.
  •  “Was this beneficial for you and your learning?”

• Opening the conversation for students to express potential discomforts or experiences in the classroom.
• Asking students things such as:
  •  “How does the temperature in this room feel for everyone?”
  • “Can everyone see, okay? Would it be helpful if I dimmed the lights?”
  •  “Can everyone hear me, okay? If you cannot hear me, please raise your hand, let me know after class, or send me an email.”