The 2000 World’s Fair, held in Hannover, Germany, showcased different ways to improve the relationship between humankind, nature, and technology. Interestingly enough, one of the questions this state-of-the-art event asked was what the school of the future will look like. The answer:

The Fridtjof-Nansen Study

To measure the benefits of a more ergonomic classroom – with its pedagogical possibilities and new motion-friendly teaching methods – this acclaimed primary school hosted a four-year study dedicated to exploring the relationship between a student’s opportunity for in-class motion and their health, well-being, and classroom performance. VS provided all the ergonomic furniture for this “school of the future,” including flexible, movable seating, height-adjustable desks, and versatile, easy-to-reposition work surfaces. 

In order to accurately determine how a more dynamic classroom environment influenced the learning and performance capabilities of children, this fascinating study observed three different classrooms at the Fridtjof-Nansen School – each class incorporating varying degrees of ergonomic furniture, freedom of motion, and dynamic teaching methods.

The Challenge

Researchers have long explored ways we can enhance the relationship between a student’s physical and cognitive demands by overcoming the common strains caused by poorly designed furniture. Even at primary school age, "school stress” makes itself noticeable through a variety of physical complaints, and earlier studies have proven that rigid, motion-restricting practices – still used in many classrooms today – can induce head, back and stomach aches as well as impaired concentration and irritability.

The Results of the Fridtjof-Nansen Study:

• In a more ergonomically-outfitted classroom, teachers and researchers noticed a measurable increase in the posture, comfort, and attitude of their pupils.
• When students’ chairs offered a full range of dynamic sitting possibilities, i.e. sitting with a greater range of movement, the student could indulge in their natural urge to occasionally shift position – thereby relieving stress and maintaining a higher level of concentration. In addition, they were able to fluidly shift between comfortably sitting and actively working.
• Adjustable stand-at desks created greater mobility, facilitated better group work, and provided teachers with innovative ways to vary the format and rhythm of the lesson plan.
• Desktops that inclined to at least 16 degrees encouraged a more natural spinal alignment and head position during activities like reading and writing.
• In contrast, classrooms that continued to use static furniture and motion-limiting lesson plans restricted a student’s movement and flexibility – resulting in lower levels of engagement, concentration, and significant orthopedic stress, particularly in the lumbar spine area.

More Information:

• Results of the study: download (pdf-file, 1.4 MB)
• Scientific background: BAG - Federal Institute for Posture and Mobilisation Support: www.bag-haltungundbewegung.de
• Website (in German) of Fridtjof-Nansen-School, Hannover: www.fns-online.de