How to Keep Students Learning During School Renovation
The environment in which a student learns has a drastic impact on their life. The quality of student learning affects retention rates, test scores, and overall academic health. It can also have a large impact on one’s mental health.
When you plan to undergo a school renovation project or an upgrade to an existing facility, it is important to ensure it will not disturb student learning. Here we will discuss different reasons for upgrading your facilities, and ways to do so without affecting student learning.
3 Reasons You May Need to Renovate Your School
- COVID-19
As COVID-19 continues to pose a threat to our daily lives, schools across the country are debating on how to reopen this fall. One solution schools have are to add extra classrooms to their facilities in order to spread out students. This would provide more space in each classroom. If children need to sit 6 feet apart or student numbers need to be decreased per room, then adding extra space is a quick solution.
The upside of temporary modular space is that these classrooms can be leased for a specific period of time, and then returned when no longer needed. You can learn more about how modular classrooms may benefit schools during COVID-19 here.
- Student Enrollment Increases
Each year, the number of students seems to rise. In fact, in 1980 there were approximately 27.6 million elementary students, according to EducationData.org. By the year 2018, that number had grown to approximately 35.5 million students. As numbers of students continue to increase, schools should look to adding additional space to their facilities in order to avoid overcrowding concerns.
- Old or Outdated Facilities
There are many ways in which your facilities may be outdated. Some common concerns include design, space, safety features, and technology. It is important to accommodate new technology in schools. According to Envoplan, studies show that design features such as natural light, colors, and space-utilization can all impact student learning. If you think your school is outdated, chances are you may be ready for an upgrade.
How to Keep Students Learning
So now you know the signs of needing a school upgrade. But how can this be accomplished without disturbing daily operations?
This is where temporary modular classrooms can help. Modular buildings can be delivered to your campus in individual units. They are then set up and ready for occupancy in as little as 30 days from contract approval. And because of their temporary nature they can be easily removed from your campus once your upgrades are finished; and you no longer need the extra classroom space.
Modular classrooms function just like that of regular classrooms and can be customized to meet the needs of the customer. Classrooms and other types of school buildings such as lab rooms, restrooms, cafeterias, medical offices and locker rooms are all possible with modular construction.
If you want to learn more about the costs, benefits, or features of a temporary modular classroom, click here: Top 5 Questions of a Portable Modular Classroom Building
According to Spaces 4 Learning, there are certain elements that can make a renovation project both memorable and manageable, including communication and safety.
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Regular Communication
Keep your students and staff in the loop with all construction plans, so that they are aware of what to expect. Make sure to include how their temporary modular classrooms can benefit them during the process. “Day-to-day communication elevates safety for all concerned. While each campus may communicate differently, the essential key is that communication is well timed, two-way, inclusive and continuous” (Spaces 4 Learning).
Communication tools such as social media can be an excellent way to keep everyone informed up to the minute. Some schools may even implement a blog or community page. This tactic can help to inform the school members on construction progress. “Daily messages can explain that certain pathways or areas around construction will be blocked or off-limits for a period of time”.
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Ensuring Safety
Continuing operations and learning can be completely achievable, but safety precautions still need to be set in place.
- Secure construction zones
- Have clear pathways and designated areas for students
- Separate construction from learning areas
- Make sure construction noise is kept to a minimum during school hours
The ultimate goal is to minimize disruptions, while at the same time enhancing student learning with temporary classroom space.
If you are looking to renovate your school or are looking for extra classroom space, then Vanguard Modular today. Their knowledgeable experts can help you find the right building or floor plan to meet your space needs.
