IMPACT OF CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENTS’ ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS IN COVENANT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Nigerian Schools of Architecture face the various challenges of out-dated design, declining conditions, and capacity utilisation pressures. The effects of these conditions are threats to the academic performance of the students. The study aimed at investigating the impact the learning environment has on the academic performance of students of Architecture at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. This research made use of quantitative and qualitative research approach. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, and the IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used for analysis. Results show that the classroom environment has effects on students' academic performance. This is due to their satisfaction and comfort in the learning environment. Findings also show that the comfort derived from facilities and physical components within the classroom affects their academic performance. Although the research findings have shown that the physical components of the classroom learning environment had no direct impact on the students' academic performance, based on the research it is recommended that visual learning aid should be maximised. Also, the classroom facilities should be improved to encourage students to make use of their classrooms. Further, the physical components classroom environment affects but does not have a direct impact on students' academic performance; however, the perception of students on these components should be explored to create a comfortable classroom environment.