Physical Environment Classroom: Principles and Design Elements of Classroom in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

This study explores the importance of the physical environment on several classrooms early childhood learning center in Sidoarjo, Indonesia. In this study obtained da ta interview with teachers (n=10) to understand the importance of the physical environment of the classroom at the learning center. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed two main themes, namely the principle of the learning environment in the classroom (the principle of classroom arrangement of the environment and principles in children) and the design elements of the physical environment of children's classrooms (lighting, color combinations, doors and windows, sky and walls, furniture or furniture selection: table, chair, shelves). The findings reveal that the principle in terms of spatial arrangement may reflect the distinctive features of each learning center (eg IT centers are identical to technology and computers, religious centers are identical to religious, UKS (school health unit) centers are identical to the role playing doctor and pharmacies), provide opportunities for children's learning activities by providing APE (educational game tools) according to learning activities in the center, providing enough space so that children can move freely, not using a barrier in the center of the room to make it look wider and children can play freely. While the principles applied to children in the form of discipline, responsibility, character, independent, orderly, and polite in the classroom. Meanwhile, the elements of the physical classroom environment design with attention to lighting, color combinations, doors and windows, floors and walls as well as furniture selection (tables, chairs, shelves). Both things are done well so as to create a comfortable and safe atmosphere for the needs of children when involved learning in the classroom. Keywords— physical environment, design element of classroom, learning center, teacher perception