Effect of School Chairs on Students in Indonesia, When They Carry Them

Introduction

A study was conducted by Lu’lu’ Purwaningrum and Satoshi Muraki on the school chairs of Indonesia and its effect to the students when the students are carry and moving it. In Indonesia, kids of different ages and grades have the same chair in their classrooms. Their research aims to observe the motion of the kids when carrying and moving an elementary student. The study believed that the failing to consider the ergonomic aspects of how students carry and transport chairs, as well as safety aspect, that could harm the students seriously or in aminimal manner. It was evinced that Indonesian elementary chairs have dimensions unsuitable for children as well as designs that could cause potential harm to them when carrying and moving chairs. The comparison of the Indonesian chair with a foreign chair did provide proof as well that there are similar methods in carrying and weight must be considered. With the study, they have concluded that a standard should be made and grip size is to included in the considerations in making elementary chairs. However, there are still other aspects to consider in the analysis of the results of the study as well as with its application and implementation, if these will be implemented.

Summary

In school, sometimes the seating arrangements are changed with no varying timelines on when such as every after quarter, every month, etc. Temporary changing of seating arrangements affects the students in a positive manner stimulating social interactions with their classmates as implied by (Marx et al. (2000), Wannarka and Ruhl (2008), and Haghighi and Jusan (2012). It also somehow relieves or alleviates the students from stress or boredom. However, some schools, such as ones in Indonesia which are the subject to be studied, are not able to provide their students with the appropriate chairs especially aspect when students will carry and move them. It was observed that in Indonesian schools, students of different age and grade have uniform chairs wherein dimensions of weight of the chairs are too much for the younger students. Students with ages 6-9 were then the chosen subjects for the experiment wherein 3 different chairs of different dimensions are experimented. Parts of the chair were identified and the main methods of carrying were determined and different hand positions were recorded as well including its frequency between the subjects. Statistics were derived and a conclusion of having a standardization or considering the dimensions and safety features of the chairs were reached.

Critique

The study was influenced by a good idea that the dimensions of the chairs should be considered as well as safety of the chair and grip. It is true and common that seats are carried when arrangements are made. These change in arrangements are beneficial to students in both social and academic aspects. Some arrangements are during activities or the daily change of arrangements. The Professional Learning Board (n.d.) claim that students who are placed in the rows at the front usually learn more and are the diligent ones while those near windows and at the back are often distracted and opt to not listen to discussions. Minchen (2007) also yielded same conclusion and results in his study wherein there is a relationship between the scores of the students and their seating arrangement. These support that changing positions are critical in a students learning status in school because if they let these students remain in their same positions, there might be some who will not be able to learn anything and in changing seating arrangements students carry their chairs most of the times. Robin explained the health effects of carrying heavy objects such as its effect to muscles and bones which are more sensitive at young ages.

The specific dimensions to be considered are length, width, and weight of the chairs. However, in the study only the hand positions and methods are shown which are relatively insufficient. Even if we consider the hand positions, it is still insufficient because what if the length of the back of the chair is too long or too short would the method still be the same? Or the width, for methods that use two hands at the side? It can be implied though that it is the limitation of the study because of the chairs used in the experiment. However, that does not give the authors a free exit that it must not be considered. Weight was not proven in numerical data and just stated that it is easier for students to have lighter chairs to lessen strain when carrying and moving it. The students’ body dimensions are to be considered as well according to Baharampour, Nazari, Dianat, and Asgharijafarabadi regarding classroom furnitures.

The title indicated carrying and moving but only the carrying was discussed in the study. The methods of moving were not considered like how the student move it, which other body parts are used to support, and even if the students regrips the chairs. Posture could also help in carrying and moving the chairs which were not included in the study. Spine Institute (n.d.) highlights the importance of good posture in carrying loads to keep spins healthy and safe. Besides the dimensions of the chair and method, posture is also important and could help ease the task. There is also no evidence that the hand positions will remain when movement commences which makes the study more unreliable and unattractive.

The study provides the basis and lacks numerous and various aspects. Anatomy should be considered since different race were experimented. The genes may vary which may affect chosen method and capability for carrying. The study aims to make their target audience implement their study but cost-benefit analysis was not provided. And if carrying and moving of chairs are the only reason for the standardizations then it is insufficient because the students can just change seats without moving it or it could just be dragged. Asimilar study was conduct by Xiong, Purwaningrum, Funatsu, Rosyidi, & Muraki wherein the relation of chair dimensions to the carrying and moving by the students were studied but they provided more statistical and numerical figures to support their claims which this study lacks significantly.

Conclusion

The study’s goal and point is good, however, its criticality and importance were not shown enough so that the audience they are targeting, which are elementary academic institutions or schools, will consider all of the points exhibited in the study. Stronger points to make schools and institutions to consider is important because even if the point is proven but the audience targeted does not feel the need to implement this, then the study is useless. This study does not only apply to Indonesian schools but to all which is commendable because this can be applied in a global level. Effects should have also been provided through simulation or research to attract the audience because the study only explained in detail the manner of carrying the chair, where the hands are placed. The objective is proper but the content was unsatisfying.

References

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6. Professional Learning Board (n.d). Do Seating Arrangements have an Impact on Student Learning?. Retrieved from: https://k12teacherstaffdevelopment.com/tlb/do-seating-arrangements-have-an-impact-on-student-learning/. Accessed on July 11, 2018.
7. Robin (2015). Heavy Lifting: Know the Risk. Retrieved from: https://www.safetyliftingear.com/news/post/heavy-lifting-risks. Accessed on July 11, 2018.
8. Smith System (n.d.). How Seating Ergonomics Affect Learning. Retrieved from: https://smithsystem.com/smithfiles/2014/08/06/seating-ergonomics-affect-learning/#. Accessed on July 11, 2018.
9. Spine Institute (n.d.). The Importance of Proper Body Mechanics - Keeping Your Spine Healthy. Retrieved from: http://www.coloradospineinstitute.com/education/wellness/body-mechanics/. Accessed on July 11, 2018.
10. Xiong, J., Purwaningrum, L., Funatsu, K., Rosyidi, C.N., & Muraki, S. (2015). Effect of Furniture Weight on Carrying, Lifting, and Turning of Chairs and Desks among Elementary School Children. Retrieved from: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0128843. Accessed on July 11, 2018.