The Secondary School Classroom: An Architectural Object to Rethink for Better Support of Educational Success in Quebec. A Literature Review

Abstract

This literature review explores the impact of classroom architecture on the educational success of secondary school students. It forms part of the work of the Schola research consortium, which aims to guide the renovation of Quebec's public primary and secondary schools. A key premise of this review is that the insights gained can inform the renovation strategies for Quebec's public schools, as outlined in the Quebec Ministry of Education's recent Educational Success Policy, which focuses on supporting students' health, well-being, and academic perseverance. With the majority of Quebec's public schools having reached the end of their first architectural life cycle, renovations are now underway. The method used for this review is based on extensive documentary research conducted across six distinct databases. This approach led to the identification of 16 relevant articles, including six literature reviews and ten field studies, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings reveal that factors such as the physical environment of the classroom, its layout, and the available furniture and equipment, have a significant impact on academic success, student perseverance, motivation, and well-being. The analysis of these elements highlights the specific requirements for the reconfiguration of classroom spaces, the renewal of furniture, and the modernization of equipment, all of which are crucial for enriching students' learning experiences.