Optimizing Class Decor: A Grounded Theory on Student Motivation in Classroom Environments

The Department of Education has directly ordered schools to keep classroom walls bare and to "take out everything" on them, including traditional educational posters and other visual teaching aids. This research explores the impact of removing classroom decorations on elementary students' participation and learning outcomes from the perspective of students themselves. A qualitative descriptive design was used to gain insights into the presence or absence of decorations in the classroom. Fifteen (15) randomly selected students were interviewed individually using a semi-structured interview. Data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis that resulted in five themes. It was found that students feel that a minimalist classroom with fewer decorations uplifts students' concentration, participation, and overall learning experience. They appreciate reduced distractions and a calmer learning atmosphere. In conclusion, students' perceptions suggest that removing excessive decorations from the classroom can benefit their participation and learning outcomes. Based on these findings, we recommend that educators and school administrators consider adopting a more minimalist approach to classroom decorations, keeping students' concentration and engagement in mind.