Schools are beginning to design venues for learning and teaching differently.
Learning areas to encourage reflective thinking and individual learning, as well as teamwork and collaborative engagement spaces.
Here are a few ideas to consider when redesigning your school, or developing a new school.
Learning Spaces separated by subtle dividers, to encourage collaboration and sharing. Room dividers with writable glass surfaces, to encourage team-problem-solving.
No walls in a room. Learners work and study in groups in different learning spaces.
Non-traditional classroom setups — large learning spaces, whether at desks and chairs or working on beanbag-type seating.
Sensory rooms within schools, allow learners to learn experientially involving more senses than a normal classroom.
Sensory rooms or spaces are beneficial to a variety of learners. Sensory rooms or spaces have been shown to decrease learners' negative behaviours, as well as improve learner engagement. These venues can be beneficial to learners with special needs, especially sensory disorders. It may assist these learners to learn to regulate their brain’s negative reactions to external stimuli by developing coping skills for these experiences.
Desks of varying shapes and sizes could be considered, taking into account the tasks to be conducted on the desks. Consider whether individual or group tasks are to be completed, the size of the room and the number of learners to use the desks.
The type of seating used in a venue should also be considered, wobble tools or gym balls are somtimes used to assist in building core muscle and for learners who work better when they can move, rather than on a static stool or chair.
Bookcases and bookshelves can be used to create the atmosphere or theme in a room. Could be used to inspire reading and investigation.Could also be used to supply additional seating in a venue, for both individuals and groups.
What about a slide to move from an upper level to a lower level?
Think out of the traditional classroom box. Create spaces that inspire learners to what to explore, learn and have fun! On their own or as teams.
To all the schools that shared their wonderful spaces, thank you!
If you would like to discuss learning spaces, and how to achieve modern learning spaces in your school. Contact me and set up a meeting.
I look forward to hearing from you.