A Modern Classroom

Redesigning Learning Spaces-An examination of the traditional vs. New Generation Learning Space (NGSL)

In order to produce 21st century learners, educators must think and adapt to 21st century educational ideals. As technology evolves, so must the classroom environment. Gone are the days of rows and rows of students listening to the teachers lecture while actively taking notes. Students do not learn the same way they did as closely as 15 years ago. Technology has brought the world too far away from rigidly structured classroom environments. Studies show that there is a direct impact on student perspective simply by the arrangement and decor that surrounds the student in the classroom.

The Horizon report suggests that "active learning spaces have the characteristics of being mobile, flexible, varied, and connected...they value tables, stations, and hubs over rigid structures." This is important to school learning because it allows for flexible learning. Studies suggest that the physical attributes of a learning space can discourage students from learning, while maintaining that the room should empower both student and teacher in order to produce the most effective learning (Lei, 2010). Uncomfortable and stiff furnishing can have a negative impact on students. Flexible seating and wireless technological mobility is ideal for independent learning and self-reflective studies.

Interesting enough, many schools in various countries are studying the environmental impact on students' learning by creating a new language for educational spaces. Others say that when a school incorporates technology and merely adds it to the classroom without making changes to the environment, they are 'superficially' adding the technology merely to keep up the appearance that they are utilizing technology like other 'modern' schools (Byers, 2018). This is not conducive to learning because they are not changing their methods. The environment has a direct impact on the learning that takes place within the classroom. Chairs need to move, be able to be stacked and transported, students need to be able to pick up their technology and move from space to space while continuously learning, and there should be a shift away from the stiff lines of traditional spaces (Forrest, 2005).

With these factors, classroom environment is vital to create 21st century learners, especially as technology becomes a huge part of the everyday educational experience.

References:

Byers, T., Hartnell, Y. E., & Imms, W. (2018). Empirical evaluation of different

classroom spaces on students’ perceptions of the use and effectiveness of 1‐to‐1

technology. British Journal of Educational Technology, 49(1), 153–164.

Forrest, C., Hinchliffe, L. J., Arp, L., & Woodard, B. S. (2005). Beyond Classroom

Construction and Design. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 44(4), 296–300.

Lei, S. A. (2010). Classroom Physical Design Influencing Student Learning and

Evaluations of College Instructors: A Review of Literature. Education, 131(1), 128–

134.

NMC/CoSN Horizon Report > 2017 K-12 Edition. (n.d.).

https://library.educause.edu/~/media/files/library/2017/11/2017hrk12EN.pdf