The psychological effects of inadequate school furniture in Algeria: the case of public primary schools in Oum El Bouaghi city

الملخص

Ergonomic school furniture is a crucial variable in the quality of a school space. There is a growing awareness that furniture is essential for improving the health, interaction, and performance of pupils. On this basis, the objective of this article is to investigate the influence of the prevailing school furniture in Algeria on the psychological well-being and behavioral patterns of students. This study focuses on public primary schools situated in the municipality of Oum El Bouaghi as the subject of inquiry. The hypothesis under consideration can be succinctly stated as follows: The inadequacy of teaching furniture to the needs of learners has psychological effects on the quality of their learning. To substantiate this hypothesis, we employed a quantitative methodology, characterized by systematic observation, rigorous analysis, and the administration of a structured survey of students in the fifth grade of primary education. The results obtained from the fieldwork highlighted the psychological effects resulting from the inadequacy of the school furniture to the pupils' needs, and that the phenomenon of dispersion of their concentration and their lack of responsiveness and communication with the class, influenced the pupils' scientific and cognitive performance. This research may stimulate Algerian scholars and educational authorities to engage in deeper contemplation regarding the present and prospective condition of school infrastructure, with the aim of rendering it better suited to the needs of students, encompassing their physical health, behavioral patterns, and, most importantly, their overall welfare.