MISMATCH BETWEEN CLASSROOM FURNITURE AND STUDENT BODY DIMENSIONS: CASE OF IZMIR

Abstract

The aim of the research is to determine the anthropometric measures of school children aged 12-13, who live in Izmir, Turkey, in order to propose anthropometrically appropriate school furniture (desk and chair), and to compare findings with the available classroom furniture produced according to Standards of Classroom Furniture, published by Republic Of Turkey General Directorate of Primary Education to determine potential mismatches. A total of twelve anthropometric data were collected by convenience sampling from 393 (207 male and 186 female) students. The data were analyzed with the aid of the SPSS v13 software on a desktop computer. Descriptive statistics for each anthropometric dimension are given as mean, standard deviation and 5th and 95th percentile values for male and female in mm. The obtained anthropometric data used for calculating classroom furniture dimensions, sitting height, seat depth, seat width, backrest height and desk height. Mismatches were found when the findings were compared with the Standards of Classroom Furniture, published by Republic Of Turkey General Directorate of Primary Education.