The Effects of Computer Laboratory Seating Layout on Student’s Performance

Sarimah Binti Atan, Mohd Nazrol bin Md Ali, Farihana Binti A. Rahman

(Department of Mechanical, Politeknik Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia)

Abstract: This study is to identify the effects of computer laboratory seating layout in social and physical environment aspect. This study is also to identify the correlation between preferred seating position and students’ performance. The study’s participants were students taking Computer Aided Design 1 and 2 at Mechanical Engineering Department of Politeknik Mukah. Through a lecturer administered questionnaire, students answered questions regarding the social and physical environment aspects. There are a total of 77 male and 33 female student involved in this study. The finding highlights that majority (> 70%) of the students preferred sitting in the first and middle row in the computer laboratory. The result shows that preferred seating position in the computer laboratory can affect the grade marks of Computer Aided Design 1 and 2. The results highlights that, students who sat on the last row received lower Grade (< 2.5) compared to those who sat on front and middle row. The distance between the lecturer and the students who sat on the last row in the computer laboratory indirectly affects the grade marks of student’s performances. Lecturers need to be able to move throughout the classroom in order to provide guidance for their students. It can help lecturers design classroom seating plans that maximize student potential and minimize student distraction.

Key words: seating layout, student’s performance, computer aided design (CAD)