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Learning Studios
If you agree that physical space has an impact on learning, then this page of my site if for you.
In your mind, picture a traditional classroom. Now, picture a studio environment and imagine the differences between them. What are they? Now place students and a teacher into those spaces and think about what they are doing.
Most people I speak to can tell the difference immediately and can start to envision how a learning environment can transform based on the physical space, furniture and arrangement of the room as well as the "roles" of the students and teacher. The video to the right clearly demonstrates the power of Project or Problem-based learning. Combine those strategies with the conceptual model of "Learning Studios" and we just may have a winner!
Today’s student has very different ideas about how and where learning takes place. As a result, traditional classrooms designed specifically for knowledge delivery no longer work. Some folks have called traditional classrooms "sensory deprivation tanks."
Many schools are build new facilities and/or renovating existing structures. I encourage these schools/districts, etc, to do some research and think for themselves about how physical space can have an impact on learning.
Learning Studio Preso - May 8, 2009
A rushed presentation on Learning Studio's given to 100+ Administrators from Nassau County. Being the final presentation before lunch is never a good place to be, especially when the other presentations ran 40 minutes late!!!
It was a great day with Presentations by a P21 Board Member from Scholastic, Bethpage UFSD on their 21st Century Scholars program and Nassau BOCES CTE. All followed by a Panel Discussion with Business Leaders on Skill and Competency requirements for the workforce.
Glad to be a part of it. Not my best work, but point delivered and conversation started!
Resources
Innovative School Designs + Sharing Ideas in a Global Forum =
DesignShare
With over 150,000 visitors a month, DesignShare is the central address
for the very best in educational facilities and their impact on the
learning process. DesignShare provides an invaluable service as a
facilitator of ideas and resources about best practices and innovation
in schools from early childhood through the university level.
The Council of Educational Facility Planners (CEFPI) is a professional association whose sole mission is improving the places where children learn. CEFPI members — individuals, institutions and corporations — are actively involved in planning, designing, building, equipping and maintaining schools and colleges.
The EdVisions Schools model offers a fundamentally different approach designed to address the needs of 21st century learners, preparing all students for college, careers and global citizenship.
For students, the classroom environment is very important. The size of the classroom and interior areas, the colors of the walls, the type of furniture and flooring, the amount of light, and the room arrangement all influence how students learn. Thoughtful arrangement of the indoor and outdoor environments will support your learning goals for students.This tool provides an opportunity for experimentation with the layout of your classroom without any heavy lifting!