Learning Environments

With our board wide focus on Deep Learning, September seems like the perfect time to begin the discussion with a focus on Learning Environments!

First, what is a learning environment, and why should it matter? Much educational discussion right now focuses on learning environments like flexible seating, 21st century spaces, student choice. Just Google Flexible Seating, and you will pull up more articles and pictures then you can look at about these great new learning spaces!

I am a firm believer that these spaces do have a great impact on student learning, and that the environment is key to success for many students. Research supports the important impact an environment can have on learning (see for example: http://www.emilyanthes.com/data/uploads/neuroarchitecture.pdf http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/society/2014/spring/disruptive-decorations.shtml ). Studies have looked at many important aspects of the learning environment, including those environments are are visually overstimulating and cluttered, to the amount of natural light and green space that can be seen, to the importance of temperature and comfort in the room.

However, the idea of Learning Environments goes far beyond the physical setup of the room. You do not need to be an interior designer or an avid Pinterest fan to create an effective learning environment. Learning environments start first and foremost with the community of the classroom. Students must be made to feel safe, feel that they are valued and are members of an inclusive community, and can take risks with their learning. In the Deep Learning Framework, Learning Environments are one of the four elements that are mobilized for the development of the Global Competencies. The conception of Learning Environments goes beyond the physical space, and takes into account the climate and culture for students, student centred and accessible environments for students.

I think the idea of designing a learning environment in a purposeful way should start with a careful consideration of philosophical issues in education. How do you want your students to feel in the room? Whose room is it? What kinds of word do you want students to be able to do? What are the student needs in the room?

Once those questions have been answered, you may want to consider what kinds of zones you want to have. I have seen some teachers think of it like a home, and designate areas as a living room, dining room, breakfast bar etc. Other classrooms have created a fire pit (not a real fire, but a cozy area for students to gather around). Others have designated some areas as loud for active collaboration and others for more quiet work. Many schools are also designing outdoor learning spaces, which can extend the classroom beyond the four walls. Flexibility is an important concept in today’s learning environment-both flexibility of furniture to accommodate different learning activities and styles, and flexibility for students to exercise agency in deciding what they need for their learning. By focusing on the learning environment, we can foster student voice and choice, and give students important opportunities to continue developing their self regulation skills.

If you are looking for a place to get started, a Twitter search of the #ocsbfirstday shows many amazing learning environments right here in the Ottawa Catholic School Board! #flexiblesseating shows many interesting ideas for flexible seating in classrooms. There are many online resources and books about learning environments as well.