Comparative assessment of classroom desk dimensions with respect to students anthropometry for females middle schools

Abstract

This study compares six classroom desk dimensions to students’ anthropometry for female middle schools in Libya. The assessed desk dimensions include seat height, seat depth and seat width, desk height, backrest height, and under-surface of desk height. These dimensions were compared to the related anthropometric data of 90 students. The comparison was carried out using six equations (obtained from the literature). Results of the comparison showed that the size of the desk is not suitable for a large proportion of the students. Seat height, desk height and backrest height were found high for a large proportion of the students. Also, seat depth and width were found small for a very large proportion of the students. Under desk height was the only desk dimension that was found suitable for most of the students. Two alternative proposed designs of the desk were considered. Both showed significant improvement compared to the current design.