As an instructor much time and energy are devoted to lesson planning and structuring. But the learning environment shouldn't be neglected. There are many factors to consider when creating the ideal learning environment such as the use of lighting and colors, furniture, spacing, and degree of classroom flexibility.
I've chosen two important characteristics to consider when creating a learning space- engagement and flexibility. Consideration of these characteristics will undoubtedly strengthen students' teaching and learning experiences. The four skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity are at the forefront of 21st Century learning. A space that is welcoming, engaging, and flexible will foster the use and continued growth of these skills.
Located in a basement with no windows, my current classroom lacks finesse. But the room does have some positive features. Office chairs and tables on wheels allow for ease of movement throughout the room. This flexibility aids in student collaboration and teamwork. There are also several dry erase boards stationed throughout the room to encourage students to create while learning, whether together or independently. Below are images I created of my current classroom using Roomstyler, a 3D interior design tool. The room contains grey floor tiles, wooden desks, black chairs, and walls painted in a neutral tan color.
I've created a blueprint of an optimal learning space in this classroom. This learning environment aims to be an innovative student-centered space where students feel motivated to learn, are comfortable, and can explore their creativity. For guidance, I referred to a study conducted on 751 students from seven different schools. This study was conducted to determine if school building design impacts learning rates of students. Some environmental design parameters included lighting, classroom flexibility, color, and classroom complexity.
First, I considered student engagement. The study revealed an improvement in students' academic achievement when warm colors were used, as stated, "Warm colour is welcomed in senior grade's classrooms while cool colour in junior grades, as long as it is bright. Colour of wall, carpet, furniture and display can all contribute to the colour scheme. . . it is the room colour (wall and floor) that plays the most important role" (Barrett, Zhang, Moffat, & Kobbacy, 2013). I painted the space a soft maroon color and replaced the grey tiles with dark wood flooring.
To further define student engagement, I added more light sources. This room is in a basement, so adding natural sunlight from outdoors is unrealistic, but I did make some improvements. By adding a dimmer to the main light switch, I achieved control of the bright industrial ceiling lights. Next, several floor lamps added softer light around the perimeter of the room. Lastly, two long windows spanning the height of the wall were installed.
To heighten engagement, multiple creation stations and alternative seating plans were added. Adding a projection screen or television screen on each wall will ensure all students can see presented material, regardless of their positioning in the room. Increasing the number of dry erase boards (or any creative outlet such as easel pad sticky paper) will provide teams with collaborative work surfaces. The chairs and tables in my redesign still have wheels, but I've selected crescent-shaped tables. The curvature of the tables will allow for small or large group seating arrangements to improve student communication, teamwork, and content transfer.
Movable furniture will also increase the second environmental characteristic, flexibility. Students can work independently or together and position themselves in a seating arrangement that benefits their learning. Teamwork and collaboration will flourish in this set-up and, as stated by Poth, "Meaningful collaboration promotes the building of peer relationships, fosters peer interactions and by involving students in different discussions, it enables them to understand different perspectives, and to give and receive feedback" (Poth, 2018). The addition of pods or zones for varied learning increase classroom flexibility. Private chairs around the perimeter of a learning space will give learning access to students who prefer alternative ways to explore and think critically.
With the resources provided through Roomstyler, I've created my classroom redesign blueprint below. When formulating an effective learning experience for all students, instructors should consider flexible opportunities for students to explore, create, and access material, a framework termed Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Consideration of the above characteristics will aid in providing these opportunities for students' educational success.
References:
Barrett, P., Zhang, Y., Moffat, J., & Kobbacy, K. (2013). A holistic, multi-level analysis identifying the impact of classroom design on pupils' learning. Building and Environment, 59, 678-689.
Poth, R. D. (2018, October 11). Collaboration: bringing students together to promote learning. Getting Smart. Retrieved from https://www.gettingsmart.com/2018/10/collaboration-bringing-students-together-to-promote-learning-can-move/.
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