Noel Dillon0850136

PD+T

Research Presentation

Content

• Introduction

• Current products

• Research methods

• Research findings

Problem Statement

• I want to improve the comfort and functionality of furniture being used in primary school classrooms.

Introduction

• Project Area:• Primary Schools• The problems that exist with primary school

furniture• Integrating disabled students into the

classroom

Current ProductsCurrent products are:

• Uncomfortable

• Doesn’t incorporate any storage

• Noisy

• Non- adjustable

• Unsuitable for disabled students

Current Products

• Special needs schools:o Equipment is designed for

posture

o Locks together

o Adjusts to students needs

Research Methods

• Site Visits

• Brainstorming

• Browsing the internet

• Interviews

• Questionnaires

Internet Research

• 700 Teachers surveyed in UK:o A number had developed back problems o The furniture being too low• Researching current products on the marketo Current products are not comfortable and do not

meet the requirements of the studentso No product integrates students with special needs

into the classroom

Site Visit

• Visited 3 different national schools

• Special needs school

• Observing behaviour

• How students interact with furniture

Site Visit• Major difference from 6th class to 1st/2nd class

6th Classo Good attention spano Books stored on top of desko Bags stored on the back of chair

or under table

1st/2nd Classo Short Attention spano Books stored at the back of roomo Always looking for teachers

attentiono Tables arranged out in squares

• Younger Classes (Junior Infants-1st/2nd class)

• Learn by doing the actions• Always in and out of there

chairs• Leaning back on the chairs

Site VisitClassroom observation:

Older classes (3rd class- 6th class)• Always learn in their

seats• Chairs scraping on the

floor• Students in their seats

all day

Site Visit

o Some desks were facing sideways and the students had to turn to see the board

o Inadequate storage available

Site Visit

• Chairs being knocked over

• Younger students banging into the table

• Teacher having to stand to see some students

• Class being disrupted by noisy chairs

Site Visit• Trying to Integrate disabled students into the

classroomCurrent Situation

o A chair from a special needs school is just brought in and left with the normal table

o The table is not made to be used with the chair

o The disabled student is at a dis-advantage

• Special needs School:

o Specialised equipment is used. It is fully adjustable to meet the needs of the students

o Student can be pushed fully underneath the desk

The furniture used is of higher standard to ensure the students do not slip or fall out of the chair

Site Visit

Interview

• Teachers• Principal• Special needs assistants

To find out the main areas that they felt needed improving

Do the students get restless after

a while sitting in the chairs?

Does the table and chair provide

enough storage for each

student?

Is the current furniture in your classroom suitable for the students?

Questionnaire/Interview

• Is there a student with special education needs in your classroom? If so

what kind of specialized seating and tables are available to them?

o Not all classes

o Student was isolated

o Had their own area in the class

o Special table was needed

o Had to explain work individually

o A chair from a special needs school was

provided but no table

• Do you feel there is a need to upgrade the current furniture in classrooms?-Yeso One size fits allo Not enough supporto No storage

• What is the biggest problem you find with the tables and chairs?o Height o Tables too small o Arranging them so everyone has an equal viewo Storageo Tables shape

• Current furniture in the modern classroom(Teaching from all around the room)

o Not enough space

o Too much noise

o Strain on the students

o Get out of their seats

Research findings

• Inadequate storage

• Chairs uncomfortable

• Chairs tip over too easy

• Old and out-dated

Research Findings

• Noisy chairs when moving

• Tables and chairs bulky • Dis-abled students are not given a fair chance