Analyzing Rectangular Classrooms

The shape of classrooms is usually rectangular with various lengths and widths. Certain parts of the classroom are better than others for viewing the board depending on the viewing distance and horizontal viewing angle. Other parts are not as good in viewing the board where students are expected to commit errors in copying from the board and may take longer time in reading. This study attempts to analyze five sections of any classroom size, and an index is developed for each section in a particular academic term to reflect cumulative hours spent in each section by students. A case study is included to apply the concepts of classroom sections. Finally, a new classroom design in the shape of a trapezoid is recommended to maximize the best area for viewing the board. Architectural engineers and architects may find it challenging to design a building with classrooms of nontraditional shape.