The Importance of Ergonomics in Education

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 96 views

The Importance of Ergonomics in Education

Ergonomics plays a vital role in creating a conducive learning environment for students. The design of tables and chairs in schools directly affects student sitting posture, which can have a significant impact on their physical health and overall well-being. In an ideal learning environment, student posture should be able to function properly if using tables and chairs that are designed ergonomically. However, in reality, many students still use tables and chairs that are not in accordance with their height, which has the potential to cause discomfort and various musculoskeletal problems.

A preliminary study conducted on ABC elementary school students showed that all measurements of table height, table height from under the table, and height of chairs did not match the size of the students' body. From this data, it appears that 77.97% of the height of the backrest for class I students is also not appropriate. For 5th grade students, 100% of the table height is not appropriate, and 98.73% of the table height from under the table and the height of the backrest is not appropriate. The striking result is that 91.14% of the height of the chair is also not appropriate. This situation resulted in students experiencing complaints of musculoskeletal, with a slightly painful complaint category of 29% on the upper neck, 28.3% on the right hand, and 23.2% on the right leg. In addition, there were complaints of pain in the back by 11.6%, on the waist and left elbow by 10.1%, and on the right knee by 9.4%.

The consequences of using non-ergonomic tables and chairs can be severe, leading to long-term health problems and decreased productivity. It is essential for schools to prioritize the design of their learning facilities to ensure that they meet the physical needs of their students. By doing so, schools can create a healthy and comfortable learning environment that promotes academic success and overall well-being.

The Design Method Used

The design method used in this study follows the steps proposed by Pahl and Beitz, which includes planning, task explanation, product design design, product form design, and detailed design. This approach ensures that the design process is systematic and thorough, resulting in a well-designed product that meets the needs of its users.

The redesign results show that the height of the table and chairs can now be adjusted (adjustable) to meet the needs of students. The new dimensions produced include the minimum height of the table 41.4 cm and the maximum height of 58.9 cm, and the minimum height of the seat 30.2 cm and the maximum height of 40.6 cm. The width of the table is set to 56.3 cm with a length of 60 cm, while the drawer is determined at 5.5 cm. For chairs, width 27.3 cm and 39.2 cm long, with a back back of 43.5 cm height and backrest width 32.6 cm.

Benefits of Ergonomic Design

Applying the principle of ergonomics in the design of tables and school chairs is not only to improve student comfort, but also to support their physical health. Good sitting posture during study hours can reduce the risk of back pain, neck, and other musculoskeletal problems. In addition, an ergonomic learning environment can increase student concentration and productivity.

Adjustable designs allow each student to adjust their sitting position according to the needs of each body, providing optimal support for healthy posture. This becomes very crucial in the stages of children's growth, where their bodies are developing and are very vulnerable to health problems due to the wrong sitting position.

Conclusion

Redesign of elementary school student tables and chairs with an ergonomic approach is an indispensable step to create a healthy and comfortable learning environment. By doing designs that consider the physical needs of students, we can not only reduce complaints of musculoskeletal, but also create a better atmosphere for the teaching-learning process. It is very important for the school to continue to evaluate and improve learning facilities so that each student can grow and develop optimally in aspects of physical health and education.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Schools should prioritize the design of their learning facilities to ensure that they meet the physical needs of their students.
The design of tables and chairs should be ergonomic, with adjustable height and width to accommodate the needs of each student.
Regular evaluations and improvements should be made to learning facilities to ensure that they remain conducive to student learning and well-being.

By implementing these recommendations, schools can create a healthy and comfortable learning environment that promotes academic success and overall well-being.

Q: What is the importance of ergonomics in education?

A: Ergonomics plays a vital role in creating a conducive learning environment for students. The design of tables and chairs in schools directly affects student sitting posture, which can have a significant impact on their physical health and overall well-being.

Q: What are the consequences of using non-ergonomic tables and chairs?

A: The consequences of using non-ergonomic tables and chairs can be severe, leading to long-term health problems and decreased productivity. It is essential for schools to prioritize the design of their learning facilities to ensure that they meet the physical needs of their students.

Q: What design method was used in this study?

A: The design method used in this study follows the steps proposed by Pahl and Beitz, which includes planning, task explanation, product design design, product form design, and detailed design. This approach ensures that the design process is systematic and thorough, resulting in a well-designed product that meets the needs of its users.

Q: What are the benefits of ergonomic design?

A: Applying the principle of ergonomics in the design of tables and school chairs is not only to improve student comfort, but also to support their physical health. Good sitting posture during study hours can reduce the risk of back pain, neck, and other musculoskeletal problems. In addition, an ergonomic learning environment can increase student concentration and productivity.

Q: How can schools create a healthy and comfortable learning environment?

A: Schools can create a healthy and comfortable learning environment by prioritizing the design of their learning facilities to ensure that they meet the physical needs of their students. Regular evaluations and improvements should be made to learning facilities to ensure that they remain conducive to student learning and well-being.

Q: What are the recommendations for schools based on this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Schools should prioritize the design of their learning facilities to ensure that they meet the physical needs of their students.
The design of tables and chairs should be ergonomic, with adjustable height and width to accommodate the needs of each student.
Regular evaluations and improvements should be made to learning facilities to ensure that they remain conducive to student learning and well-being.

Q: How can students benefit from ergonomic design?

A: Students can benefit from ergonomic design by having a comfortable and healthy learning environment that promotes academic success and overall well-being. Adjustable designs allow each student to adjust their sitting position according to the needs of each body, providing optimal support for healthy posture.

Q: What are the long-term benefits of ergonomic design?

A: The long-term benefits of ergonomic design include reduced risk of back pain, neck, and other musculoskeletal problems, increased student concentration and productivity, and improved overall well-being.