International Journal of Educational Researchers
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Original article    |    Open Access
International Journal of Educational Researchers 2024, Vol. 15(2) 52-68

Exploring Users’ Lived Experiences of School Built Environments: Evidence from Ghanaian Basic Education Context

Wisdom Agbevanu

pp. 52 - 68   |  DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/ijer.2024.1041.4

Publish Date: June 30, 2024  |   Single/Total View: 57/325   |   Single/Total Download: 75/337

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Abstract

This phenomenological research investigates the lived experiences and interpretations of learners, teachers, and head teachers as users of school-built environments (SBEs) in the context of basic education in Ghana. Ten participants (four learners, four teachers, and two school leaders) were sampled purposively from two basic education schools (one public and one private). To explore the meanings attributed to these spaces, the study used qualitative interviews, photo elicitation, physical observations and thematic analysis to shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of users’ lived experiences. The findings revealed that SBEs elicit both positive and negative emotions and convey messages of support or neglect, influenced by physical, functional, psychosocial, and aesthetic factors. Positive and supportive SBEs provide conducive and safe instructional and non-instructional spaces, whereas negative and neglectful SBEs contribute to inequities in teaching and learning outcomes. This research emphasizes the importance of policymakers and designers taking user perspectives into account to address SBE inequities and promote justice within educational settings.

Keywords: School built environments, users, lived experiences, phenomenology, basic education

How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
Agbevanu, W. (2024). Exploring Users’ Lived Experiences of School Built Environments: Evidence from Ghanaian Basic Education Context. International Journal of Educational Researchers, 15(2), 52-68. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijer.2024.1041.4

Harvard
Agbevanu, W. (2024). Exploring Users’ Lived Experiences of School Built Environments: Evidence from Ghanaian Basic Education Context. International Journal of Educational Researchers, 15(2), pp. 52-68.

Chicago 16th edition
Agbevanu, Wisdom (2024). "Exploring Users’ Lived Experiences of School Built Environments: Evidence from Ghanaian Basic Education Context". International Journal of Educational Researchers 15 (2):52-68. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijer.2024.1041.4

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