A Qualitative Study on the Perception of Highschool Students on the Ideal School and

Learning Environment for Basic Education in Davao City

Theme:

Sustainable Development

An Architectural Thesis presented to the 

College of Architecture and Fine Arts Education 

University of Mindanao 
Davao City 

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

ALLIAH KRISTI V. NACILLA

EXPECTED MONTH AND YEAR OF GRADUATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

“Architecture and physical design can influence psychological states and social

behavior” (Moos, cited in Stadler-Altman, 2015). School architecture plays a vital role in

establishing an effective learning environment for students. According to the studies, the

locations and surroundings in which students spend a significant amount of their time

learning have an impact on how effectively they learn. The physical characteristics of

learning environments may elicit emotions, provide a sense of security, and prepare learners

to study [ CITATION Sar20 \l 13321 ].

The extent to which the physical environment of the school influences student

outcomes, notably conduct and achievement, has been an ongoing point of debate and among

professional architects and educational planners [ CITATION Ahm18 \l 13321 ] . Several studies

have been done on the subject, demonstrating how school architecture influences a school's

learning environment as well as student achievement. A study conducted in Finland on

Learners' Perceptions of Learning Environments and how they should be integrated in

designing effective 21st Century Learning Environments for Basic Education summarizes the

views of children (ages 7-14 years old) in terms of their school experiences and found how

their shared perceptions resonate with related studies that suggest that wellbeing, including

aspects such as safety and social interactions influence school satisfaction and utmost,

learning. Moreover, the study suggest that creativity is immensely present among younger

learners and as to foster such, careful planning should be done as to not hinder the

innovativeness of students in later years, and how aesthetically pleasing environment and

ample space should also be considered in the planning and designing of a school [CITATION
Mäk14 \l 13321 ]. Similar studies among undergraduate students from different programs have

been done, exploring their perceptions on the Ideal Learning Environment [e.g., [ CITATION

Ahm18 \l 13321 ]; [ CITATION Sho15 \l 13321 ] ] to which also proven the educational

environment and the positive outcomes of student’s achievement. In the Philippines, studies

concerning school design and learning environment is scarce and uncommon. However, there

had been a study conducted on the purpose of improving learning environments in the

country provided a general overview of the current state of existing school infrastructures

here in the country. The study results showed that the overall quality of school buildings in

the country are low and that projects managers seemed to have not be informed regarding the

progress and the completion of school projects, suggesting that the government take action on

it and strengthen the implementation of improving the school learning environment in the

country.

As described by Claxton (cited in Kangas, 2010) Schools are under growing pressure

in this regard to focus not just on delivering academic curriculum, but also on building and

sustaining school cultures and learning environments that best nurture students' competency

as future citizens. Furthermore, only few cases have been recorded in which educational

stakeholders, particularly learners, have been included in learning environment design

[ CITATION Mäk14 \l 13321 ] . Although common, secondary students' perspectives on the Ideal

School and Learning Environment are underrepresented. This study seeks to know the

secondary students' perspectives on the Ideal School and Learning Environment in Davao

City and how they can be considered in the design of future schools in the country. This

Study is needed as it is an area that requires further exploration and investigation.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

School building design is increasingly recognized as playing a key role in the

construction of settings that enhance educational achievement [ CITATION Jer15 \l 13321 ] .

Multiple studies have shown that students’ learning environment has a direct impact on their

performance. However, despite being major stakeholders in education, they have little to no

input on school design and are generally passive receivers of adult decisions, with classrooms

and schools designed to meet the requirements of adults and professionals [ CITATION Der11 \l

13321 ].

In recent studies, the student perceptions have been explored and examined as a way

of assessing schools’ learning environment. In Israel, a study on undergraduates as innovative

thinkers has been conducted to examine how students perceive themselves as innovative

thinkers and express creative ideas through illustrating an ideal learning environment

([ CITATION Mir13 \l 13321 ]. Similarly, a systematic review on innovation of school design

have been conducted in Australia, in line with finding and understanding a responsible

innovation approach for new schools as well as provide guideline on future innovations in the

field of education [ CITATION Joa20 \l 13321 ].

Although perspectives about education and society have changed dramatically since

then, and conventional school roles have been questioned, the goal of education is the same

now as it was then: to educate students for future adult life [ CITATION Kan10 \l 13321 ] . Several

disciplines, including education, have faced new problems as a result of technological

advancements. There is more to be done, aside from upgrading techniques to encourage fresh

curricular approaches. According to Pedro and Matos [cited in [ CITATION Val19 \l 13321 ] ], it
is also important to rethink learning environments, pointing to the necessity to produce

educational designs that are more socially relevant.

In this regard, further examination and exploration on different views of students on

different educational levels would help in assessing how student performance and

achievement are influenced by the learning environment and how it can be integrated and

improve the physical design of schools. Thus, this study investigates the perception of

students on secondary education in Davao City and seeks to answer the following questions:

 What are the views of high school students on the ideal school and learning

environment here in Davao city?

 What are their views on the existing schools and learning environment here in

Davao City?

 Do the existing schools here in Davao City match the ideal learning

environment of the high school students?

 In what ways can schools be improved their learning environments order to

cater the needs and expectations of students?

1.3. Goals

Through innovative school design, the goal of this research project is to establish a learning

environment that will encourage students' enthusiasm to learn as well as nurture their well-

being. To fulfill this goal, the following research objectives are established to be carried

through:

 Identify the High School students views of the characteristics of an Ideal School and

learning environment in Davao City;

 Identify their views on their existing schools and learning environments;

 Evaluate whether the existing school infrastructures and Learning environments live

up to the Ideals of the students; and

 Suggest ways on improving school architecture and learning environments through

integration of the students’ perspectives.

1.4. Scope and Limitations

This research study will focus on the High school students’ perceptions of an Ideal School

and Learning Environment. The data collection will be conducted on --% of the total

population in grade 7 to 10 of ----------------- who will represent the population. This study

will not cover other problems that are not related to the Ideal school design and Learning

Environment. The other students that does not fall under the grades 7 to 10 will be not within

the scope of this study. The study will be done through utilization of online questionnaires

will be utilized to the students as a survey and reference. Through these, the researcher will
be able to know the Perceptions of High School Students on the Ideal School and learning

Environment.

1.5. Significance of the Study

This study will primarily benefit students since it will allow them to voice their thoughts on

their ideal learning environment and provide them with the chance to have their ideas

acknowledged and catered to, resulting in academic satisfaction. Students will be the key

consumers of the improved school learning environment since they are the major

stakeholders in education. This study will also assist teachers, employees, and other

stakeholders since it will provide them with insights on how to develop, innovate, and cope

with the fast-paced improvement in academic learning. Ultimately, this study will be useful

to architects and designers because it will give them with the essential knowledge to assist

them in innovating and discovering a better approach to school design that will eventually

connect with end-users.