1. Research Presentation
Noel Dillon PD+T
Research Presentation

2. Content Introduction Current products Research methods
Research findings

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

4. Introduction Project Area: Primary Schools
The problems that exist with primary school furniture
Integrating disabled students into the classroom

5. Current Products Current products are: Uncomfortable
Doesn’t incorporate any storage
Noisy
Non- adjustable
Unsuitable for disabled students

6. Current Products Special needs schools:
Equipment is designed for posture
Locks together
Adjusts to students needs

7. Research Methods Site Visits Brainstorming Browsing the internet
Interviews
Questionnaires

8. Internet Research 700 Teachers surveyed in UK:
A number had developed back problems
The furniture being too low
Researching current products on the market
Current products are not comfortable and do not meet the requirements of the students
No product integrates students with special needs into the classroom

9. Site Visit Visited 3 different national schools Special needs school
Observing behaviour
How students interact with furniture

10. Site Visit Major difference from 6th class to 1st/2nd class
Good attention span
Books stored on top of desk
Bags stored on the back of chair or under table
1st/2nd Class
Short Attention span
Books stored at the back of room
Always looking for teachers attention
Tables arranged out in squares

11. Site Visit Younger Classes (Junior Infants-1st/2nd class)
Classroom observation:
Older classes (3rd class- 6th class)
Always learn in their seats
Chairs scraping on the floor
Students in their seats all day
Younger Classes (Junior Infants-1st/2nd class)
Learn by doing the actions
Always in and out of there chairs
Leaning back on the chairs

12. Site Visit
Some desks were facing sideways and the students had to turn to see the board
Inadequate storage available

13. 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

14. Site Visit Trying to Integrate disabled students into the classroom
Current Situation
A chair from a special needs school is just brought in and left with the normal table
The table is not made to be used with the chair
The disabled student is at a dis-advantage

15. Site Visit Special needs School:
The furniture used is of higher standard to ensure the students do not slip or fall out of the chair
Specialised equipment is used. It is fully adjustable to meet the needs of the students
Student can be pushed fully underneath the desk

16. Interview Teachers Principal Special needs assistants
To find out the main areas
that they felt needed improving

17. Questionnaire/Interview
Is the current furniture in your classroom suitable for the students?
Do the students get restless after a while sitting in the chairs?
Does the table and chair provide enough storage for each student?

18. Is there a student with special education needs in your classroom
Is there a student with special education needs in your classroom? If so what kind of specialized seating and tables are available to them?
Not all classes
Student was isolated
Had their own area in the class
Special table was needed
Had to explain work individually
A chair from a special needs school was
provided but no table

19. Do you feel there is a need to upgrade the current furniture in classrooms?
-Yes
One size fits all
Not enough support
No storage
What is the biggest problem you find with the tables and chairs?
Height
Tables too small
Arranging them so everyone has an equal view
Storage
Tables shape

20. Current furniture in the modern classroom(Teaching from all around the room)
Not enough space
Too much noise
Strain on the students
Get out of their seats
Do you feel the furniture could function better? If yes, in what ways?
Answer
Are the chairs noisy when the students are moving them to get up?
answer

21. Research findings Inadequate storage Chairs uncomfortable
Chairs tip over too easy
Old and out-dated

22. Research Findings Noisy chairs when moving Tables and chairs bulky
Dis-abled students are not given a fair chance