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THE CLASSROOM OF MY DREAMS! THE IMPACT OF INVOLVING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE REFURBISHMENT OF THEIR CLASSROOM IN FINE ARTS HIGH SCHOOL OF TIMISOARA, ROMANIA
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify a change in the attitude and behaviour of secondary school students from Fine Arts High School of Timi?oara, Romania, after their optional involvement in the refurbishment of their classroom. Students could experience design thinking and learn steps necessary to put their creative ideas into a project, and then implement the project: Classroom of my dreams. 20 students filled in a 22 points questionnaire for the post occupancy evaluation, five months after the inauguration of the refurbished classroom. All answers were analysed and centralized in the ten days following the survey. Frequency of answers offered the scores of responses for each question. The major finding was that 18 out of 20 students declared themselves proud of their refurbished classroom. Although 18 students didnt notice a great change in their behavior, or the behavior of colleagues and teachers, seven out of 20 thought that their sense of responsibility towards classroom increased. Six pupils said teamwork could be an example for the rest of the school. 17 thought this kind of project could be an example for other schools, and 15 students would like to be involved in this kind of project in the future. In conclusion, involving students in the refurbishment of their classroom appears to influence students sense of pride and responsibility towards their classroom and increase their sense of belonging. Participatory school design appears to be an important tool in building up the school community.
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References6
“De-a arhitectura Association” was established in 2013 by a group of young architects, and promotes the architecture and built environment education for children in schools, among teachers and architecture professionals. http://www.de-a-arhitectura.ro/about-us/
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Litteris et Virtuti. Educația prin ochii tinerilor (Education through the eyes of the young) SMARK Research, Youth Monitor, (2012), http://research.smark.ro/litteris-et-virtuti
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