New world learning spaces will look so different from those we know now.
Schools are fast seeing the need to cater for digital savvy students from prep to year 12.
So what’s going to transform our learning spaces in the next few years?
Here’s 8 new ideas we’re learning about….
1. Learning will take place in a mix of spaces, both indoors and outdoors. These spaces can be connected by walkways, gardens, courtyards, or learning terraces. Learning in the context of the outdoor natural environment will be a valuable experience. Terraced areas may double up as ampitheatre performance spaces.
2. Some learning classrooms may be oversized where up to 50 students can be taught in teams and where more private booths can be installed to allow for smaller group work.
3. Classroom walls are to be flexible – either glazed for complete visibility or openable into breezeways for natural ventilation. The glazed classroom walls can double up as “observation” spaces for trainee teachers to observe and learn from a class in action.
4. Teacher workstations are to be included in the learning space and no longer be in a ‘no go” staff room zone. This arrangement can foster better relationships between teacher and student and ensure greater student safety.
5. Robotics and Artificial Intelligence will be taught at all learning levels in a “lab” style environment. Robots can be built within the laboratory then used as learning tools for critical thinking, collaboration and co-operation.
6. Furniture is to be used in a range of layouts and be entirely flexible for sitting and standing as well as lounging.
7. Vegetable gardens and wetland areas will be linked to classroom zones to enable a more diverse and stimulating learning experience. Food grown in these gardens can be used in the learning of nutrition, food handling and preparation.
8. Toilets and bathroom facilities may be linked closely to classroom learning centres to ensure student safety rather than in a more public central location.
Switching on to what’s happening out there in our learning spaces is a must.
Time to make it work now!
