How to create a learning environment that engages and inspires

We all want children to learn in an environment that not only encourages them to be the best they can be but to thrive and be inspired.

For more than 60 years, Furnware has been working with educators around the world, designing flexible and innovative learning spaces for children of all ages. During this time, we have seen our share of changes in the classroom. From uncomfortable wooden school chairs and desks of years past to the innovative learning environments of today, these are a few of the furniture evolutions we have observed:

Whiteboards and writable surfaces are becoming a ‘must have’ in the classroom. Ideal for collaboration and visible thinking, they encourage student inclusion and creativity as students work through problem-solving – often documenting their working in photographs before committing it to a book or a document. Whiteboards afford visible thinking and promote collaboration and inclusion.

Flexible tables of all shapes, sizes and heights are appearing alongside single desks or replacing them completely. Students are learning side-by-side at standing height desks, on the floor or in smaller spaces when they need to concentrate by working alone. Tables with castors increase mobility so furniture can be easily configured to suit the activity.

The move from fixed desks to more mobile workstations also extends to teachers. “Front of Class” is now anywhere the learning takes them, so teachers require mobile working stations that take up less room and are easily manoeuvrable between open learning environments.

With all this flexibility, a structure is still an important feature in a classroom. Hard work surfaces at the correct height, paired with a good quality task chair like the Bodyfurn® Sled Chair, should be considered and featured alongside other more flexible options.

More than just Pinterest-pretty classrooms

Innovative learning environments are no longer an unknown factor for schools. In recent years, educators have begun to understand the importance of environmental influences in these spaces – light, sound, air quality and colour. It is these factors, alongside the pedagogy and design, that impact how well space will work – especially when filled with enthusiastic students.

Over the years we have collaborated with many educators. Here’s some of their helpful and practical advice to get you started in designing a more dynamic and innovative learning space:

As Simon Sinek says, “Start with why”

Understanding and agreeing your overall teaching and learning strategy are critical and the most important place to begin when designing a learning space. First, agree your values and then, work through the process of defining your strategy.

If you are developing competencies in communication and collaboration, then what practices are supporting this? Are you team-teaching? Do you practise flipped-learning? Is your learning inquiry-based or play-based?

There are many terminologies associated with creating learning spaces – it’s important everyone agrees what they are from the start to ensure immediate understanding and engagement.

Let your Learning Practice guide the design

Consider how your Learning Practice might fit into your physical space because the environment you create should support and promote your learning practices.

Set and measure your goals

What are your goals? How and when will you measure your success? Much like children who need to understand their success factors to achieve the next level, all stakeholders need to agree on the fundamental elements to create a space that supports active and collaborative learning.

Meeting the needs of your learners

Now it’s time to consider learning styles and activities in your space. Within the group, there will be cultural differences, students with special needs, those want to collaborate while others may prefer quiet spaces. Similarly, what will collaboration, creativity and critical thinking look like in action during activities? How will classroom technology be used, are you catering for wet areas in the space and how will the students move from indoor to outdoor activities seamlessly?

Flexible spaces that reflect different learning styles and activities will ensure you meet the needs of your learners.

Here are a few helpful ideas for accommodating the needs of your individual learners:

Spaces to suit the learner:

• Standard table task areas with an emphasis on ergonomics and comfort
• A high space which affords an overview of the room
• Low surfaces such as kneeler tables or floor cushions
• A nook or cranny with few distractions

Spaces to suit the task:

• A space to work alone
• A space for larger group collaboration, group discussion or brainstorming
• A space for buddies to work in pairs.
• A presentation space for small, medium and large groups
• A space to collaborate with groups of three/four
• Display spaces, writable walls and tables, TV screens, wall displays.

It’s about the journey

Along with your exciting journey, it’s important to stop, reflect and review how things are going – a race to the finish line could mean you’re missing out on valuable insights.

Are you meeting the success factors you agreed with your teams? Are your stakeholders happy or is there room to fine-tune and improve?

Remember it’s an ongoing process, but don’t forget to celebrate success along the way and take the time to appreciate all you’ve achieved.

Racing to the finish line could mean you miss out on some valuable insights, so take the time to stop, reflect and review how things are going.

Are your stakeholders happy? Is there room for improvement or things that require some tweaking or fine-tuning? Critically, are you meeting the success factors you agreed with your teams?

The finish line might keep moving but it is well worth the journey. Celebrate your successes along the way and take the time to appreciate all you’ve achieved.