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An Examination of Flexible Seating in the Higher Education Classroom from a Physical and Kinesthetic Perspective

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Title: An Examination of Flexible Seating in the Higher Education Classroom from a Physical and Kinesthetic Perspective
Language: English
Authors: Pennington, Colin, Putman, Rebecca S., Munsey, Beck A.
Source: Journal of Learning Spaces. 2022 11(2):45-55.
Availability: University Libraries, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402. Tel: 336-334-5880; Fax: 336-334-5399; e-mail: erhelp@uncg.edu; Web site: http://libjournal.uncg.edu/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: College Students, College Faculty, Classroom Environment, Furniture, Motion, Pain, Anxiety, Learner Engagement, Classroom Design, Kinesthetic Perception, Preferences, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Physical Mobility
Geographic Terms: Texas
ISSN: 2158-6195
Abstract: The concept of 'flexible seating' has emerged as a possibility to meeting the goals of an active learning classroom. Recent scholarship has suggested that numerous student learning predictors are enhanced when interacting with flexible seating. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by investigating the effects of flexible seating from a physical perspective in the higher education setting. Seventy-five participants engaged in mixed-method data collection and analysis strategies that included observations and field notes, a validated online survey, and open-ended question prompts. A thematic review and descriptive analysis revealed almost 80% of the respondents indicated that the flexible seating had a positive effect on their experience in the course related to the following themes: (a) Movement Opportunity; (b) Back Pain & Comfort; (c) Anxiety & Restlessness; and (d) Focus & Engagement. This research provides evidence that physically comfortable classrooms promote a sense of well-being, keep minds focused, and limit distractions, and that physically comfortable classrooms with increased movement opportunities for students make possible mental and emotional health benefits, as well. Results indicate the need for campuses to (re)consider the purposes and roles of seating styles within the 21st century classrooms, with seating selection based on principles of universal design.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1373124
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
CustomLinks:
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  Data: An Examination of Flexible Seating in the Higher Education Classroom from a Physical and Kinesthetic Perspective
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  Data: University Libraries, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402. Tel: 336-334-5880; Fax: 336-334-5399; e-mail: erhelp@uncg.edu; Web site: http://libjournal.uncg.edu/
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  Data: 11
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Texas%22">Texas</searchLink>
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  Data: The concept of 'flexible seating' has emerged as a possibility to meeting the goals of an active learning classroom. Recent scholarship has suggested that numerous student learning predictors are enhanced when interacting with flexible seating. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by investigating the effects of flexible seating from a physical perspective in the higher education setting. Seventy-five participants engaged in mixed-method data collection and analysis strategies that included observations and field notes, a validated online survey, and open-ended question prompts. A thematic review and descriptive analysis revealed almost 80% of the respondents indicated that the flexible seating had a positive effect on their experience in the course related to the following themes: (a) Movement Opportunity; (b) Back Pain & Comfort; (c) Anxiety & Restlessness; and (d) Focus & Engagement. This research provides evidence that physically comfortable classrooms promote a sense of well-being, keep minds focused, and limit distractions, and that physically comfortable classrooms with increased movement opportunities for students make possible mental and emotional health benefits, as well. Results indicate the need for campuses to (re)consider the purposes and roles of seating styles within the 21st century classrooms, with seating selection based on principles of universal design.
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  Data: EJ1373124
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
  BibEntity:
    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 11
        StartPage: 45
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: College Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: College Faculty
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Classroom Environment
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Furniture
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Motion
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Pain
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Anxiety
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Learner Engagement
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Classroom Design
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Kinesthetic Perception
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Preferences
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Teacher Attitudes
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Physical Mobility
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Texas
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: An Examination of Flexible Seating in the Higher Education Classroom from a Physical and Kinesthetic Perspective
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            NameFull: Putman, Rebecca S.
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            NameFull: Munsey, Beck A.
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