An Overview of Ergonomic Methods to Improve Didactic Performance in the School Environment

Authors

Samo Fošnarič
University of Maribor, Faculty of Education

Synopsis

This paper discusses the role of ergonomic methods in improving didactic effectiveness in the school environment. Firstly, the main challenges that ergonomics faces in creating an optimal learning environment are presented, followed by an overview of the main ergonomic methods (OWAS, RULA, REBA and the method of momentary observation). The article focuses mainly on the physical parameters of the learning environment and the tools used to assess them. It analyses the main ergonomic factors such as the spatial layout, the suitability of school furniture, the impact of environmental conditions (lighting, acoustics, thermal environment) and the use of digital resources. Based on a study of sources and various research findings, the paper summarises the theoretical aspects and shows how each factor contributes to reducing physical strain and promoting didactic effectiveness. The paper does not offer detailed practical guidance but focuses on explanations and possible research approaches for further studies on ergonomics in education. The conclusion emphasises the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and the possibilities for further studies to develop ergonomic methods adapted to the specific needs of the educational environment.

Author Biography

Samo Fošnarič, University of Maribor, Faculty of Education

Dr. Samo Fošnarič is a full professor of special didactics in the field of natural sciences and technology at the Department of Classroom Instruction, Faculty of Education, University of Maribor. His research work is based on studying the effects of the learning and wider work environment on children's cognitive-functional efficiency, especially through the prism of school ergonomics and the development of special-didactic models of process thinking in the field of natural sciences and technology at the elementary level of education. Using complex, multimodal research designs that integrate quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches, he closely monitors the interaction of environmental factors, movement patterns, cognitive processes and children's learning achievements.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: samo.fosnaric@um.si

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Published

July 21, 2025

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Fošnarič, S. (2025). An Overview of Ergonomic Methods to Improve Didactic Performance in the School Environment. In M. Javornik, M. Ivanuš Grmek, & M. Mithans (Eds.), Sodobni didaktični diskurzi v kontekstu pedagoške tradicije: Monografija v počastitev 80-letnice prof. dr. Martina Kramarja (pp. 117-142). University of Maribor Press. https://press.um.si/index.php/ump/catalog/book/994/chapter/749