There is no shortage of experimental and anecdotal evidence that attempts to understand the relationship between student productivity and their learning environment.
At the height of the COVID-19 crisis where most students and teachers were forced to adopt a virtual learning setting, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of how-to guides and articles were published on the web about setting up study spaces for productivity.
After analyzing the top search results in Google, the tip “keep your study space clean” and its other variations appeared 8 times out of 10. Clearly, people associate cleanliness with productivity in some form or the other— why else would they add it as a tip?
Yes, some of this online advice may lack rigorous scientific backing, but the association between cleanliness and productivity is undeniable.
And today we dive deeper into that by discussing how dirty schools affect students’ productivity, citing results from various academic journals and real anecdotal experiences from students and teachers.
A recent “School Toilet Report” by Domestos, a British household cleaning brand, revealed a concerning reality across four countries: school toilets are often in a deplorable state.
A shocking 9 out of 10 students reported issues with basic amenities and cleanliness in school facilities, with many citing these problems as a source of anxiety and a reason for missing school.
The report highlighted that over 85% of students aged 6-13 had encountered unflushed toilets, wet floors, or bodily fluids on seats, sinks, and floors.
The impact of such unsanitary conditions is far-reaching. Over 5% of the children surveyed admitted to missing school just to avoid using the facilities. In India and the UK, these numbers were even more alarming, with 15% and 7% respectively reporting absences due to the state of school toilets.
These statistics underscore the critical importance of maintaining clean and hygienic school environments, particularly in restrooms. Neglecting cleanliness not only affects student well-being but also has a direct impact on attendance and, potentially, academic performance.
Impact: Egregious Academic Performance
Boston Public School students took a stand against deteriorating school conditions in a May 2024 rally at City Hall Plaza, voicing concerns over the impact of unclean and unsafe environments on their education. A senior student described the buildings as “…deteriorating.”
In acollective letter addressed to Mayor Michelle Wu, students detailed their demands for a healthier and more conducive learning environment.
Their list included regulated classroom temperatures, improved air quality with proper HVAC systems, renewable energy solutions, access to safe outdoor spaces, and, crucially, clean and functioning bathrooms with access to clean water.
Echoing these concerns, George Alves, a 2022 graduate of City on a Hill Charter School, shared similar frustrations about the conditions he faced at the independently run school.
He said that the classrooms would be so hot without access to clean, drinking potable water, that students were simply unable to focus.
Together, Alves and BPS students emphasize that a clean and well-maintained school isn’t just about keeping up with appearances for accreditors. It’s a fundamental building block to a successful educational experience.
The physical state of a school speaks volumes about its commitment to the well-being and academic environment of the students.
Therefore, a school that prioritizes cleanliness sends a powerful message: their health, comfort, and learning outcomes all matter.
Impact: Teaching Staff Doing The Job Of Cleaners
Teachers are often expected to clean up after themselves and their students even though this is technically the job of custodians. This can be frustrating and time-consuming for teachers who already hold multiple hats.
In some cases, teachers may even be reprimanded for not adequately cleaning classrooms. Several reasons might explain why teachers do the cleaning.
In some cases, schools don’t have enough custodial staff to clean the classrooms regularly. In other cases, teachers are held responsible for the cleanliness of their classrooms, even if they are not directly responsible for the mess.
Whatever the reason, it’s clear teachers are being asked to do more with fewer resources. This is unfair to teachers who should be able to focus on their primary responsibilities.
We can all say that school administrators must do a better job at allocating resources more effectively so classrooms are clean and well-maintained without placing the burden entirely on teachers or custodians.
Key Takeaway
School cleanliness is not a trivial matter. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s an investment in the future of this generation of students. From student health and learning to teacher well-being and overall community, the ripple effects of a dirty school are no less profound.
Whether it’s investing in professional cleaning services or implementing effective cleaning protocols, cleanliness is a crucial step towards improving student’s learning outcomes.