Identifying ways to make learning in the physical space of schools from the point of view of school administrators Girls' primary school (in district two of Ahvaz city)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master of Educational Management, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22098/ael.2025.16766.1544

Abstract

Background and Objective:. The physical environment of schools plays a fundamental role in the learning process and the holistic development of students. In recent years, learner-centered design of educational spaces—particularly in elementary schools—has gained increasing importance. The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify strategies for enhancing the physical learning environment of elementary schools for girls in District 2 of Ahvaz, as perceived by school principals.
Research methodology: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-phase model. From the perspective of its purpose, the study is applied in nature; in terms of method, it is qualitative; and in terms of implementation, it is field-based. The statistical population included all female elementary school principals in District 2 of Ahvaz during the 2023–2024 academic year. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was reached, resulting in semi-structured interviews with 21 principals. The interview questions were evaluated for face and content validity by subject-matter experts. To ensure the reliability of the data analysis, inter-coder agreement was used; 30% of the data were independently coded by a second researcher, resulting in an agreement rate of 85%. After coding and analysis, the data were categorized into six thematic areas: physical development, social development, cognitive development, emotional development, improvement of environmental conditions, and enhancement of teaching and learning.
Findings: Based on the findings, the most important basis for the solutions provided by the school administrators is to pay attention to all the factors affecting the physical, social, mental and emotional growth and teaching and learning of students. And these solutions include: paying attention to the active role of the learner, facilitating learning according to the variety of learning materials and resources, using happy colors, paying attention to landscaping and flexibility of space, creating informal social environments, paying attention to temperature, ventilation, light and noise. Interior architecture and classroom layout, play spaces, personal spaces, public learning space.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 27 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 04 June 2025

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