The Chronicle of Higher Education

Take My Chair (Please)

Experts say students learn more if they are comfortable, but few colleges listen

By THOMAS BARTLETT

Storrs, Conn.

Put a student in a classroom where it's difficult to see the chalkboard or hear the professor. Give the same student an uncomfortable chair and a desk that's too small for a textbook. For good measure, make the room really hot.

Do the opposite for a second student. Make...

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