Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current
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Date of Graduation
5-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Department
Department of Early, Elementary and Reading Education
Advisor(s)
D. Reece Wilson
John Almarode
Lydia Brown
Abstract
The Third Teacher—a concept central to the Reggio Emilia approach to education, states the physical environment plays a vital role in learning. Early education theorists, such as Loris Malaguzzi and Maria Montessori, emphasize the idea of a prepared classroom environment; however, modern day classrooms are seemingly arranged without much intention. Because of this, current classroom spaces are not in alignment with research from past theorists, resulting in compromised student achievement. This thesis answers the question, “How can educators purposefully and practically utilize the classroom space to maximize student learning?” on the basis of lighting, seating, organization of materials, color scheme, and decor in order for educators to align the details of their classroom with past and present research.
Recommended Citation
Brown, Madeline F., "The third teacher: An analysis of aesthetic and intentionality of space in the classroom" (2020). Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current. 32.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/honors202029/32
