AN ERGONOMIC CLASSROOM DESIGN APPLICATION at a UNIVERSITY in TURKEY

Abstract

Purpose: Ergonomics is a branch of science that uses scientific methods to improve the workplaces and environments to maximize the comfort and safety of humans. In this study, we suggest new classroom furniture dimensions defining the problems about environmental factors in the classrooms such as noise, light, air conditioning, or temperature by considering the real data obtained from a university. Methodology: A questionnaire is prepared to determine the most complained problems by the students about the classroom furniture and environment. A total of 219 students participate in the questionnaire at a university in Ankara, Turkey. The dissatisfaction scores are evaluated for each question to define the most complained problems. Findings: The results show that most of the students are not satisfied with the use of tablet-armed chairs due to different reasons. To solve the problems, the anthropometric measurements of the students are evaluated. Based on these measurements, new furniture dimensions are suggested and compared with the existing ones. Originality: The ergonomic classroom design in this study is an original work that is designed according to the data obtained from the university in concern. It is aimed that the implemented methodology and the comprehensive literature review for the ergonomic classroom design in this study can be a source of inspiration for the educational institutions.