Students’ Perception of the Classroom Environment: A Comparison between Innovative and Traditional Classrooms

Abstract

As advanced classroom technologies are developed, more higher education institutions are building innovative classrooms. Previous studies have focused on students’ academic performances in innovative classrooms, but few compared students experienced between traditional and innovative classrooms. In comparing observations and self-reports of students taking similar classes in both traditional classrooms and innovative classrooms, we found that students in an innovative classroom were more satisfied with the classroom environment, sensed more community in innovative classrooms, and perceived these classrooms as more appropriate for their courses.