Physical+Spaces

Physical Learning Spaces

When considering the classroom of the future the physical space quickly becomes a question. It involves much thought, planning, and funding. It is vital that the classroom is afforded the same planning, time, and effort as other factors such curriculum, collaboration and scheduling. Below are different learning areas that would be recommend.

The flexible furniture layouts are especially important to note. These rooms have desks, tables, chairs, and various meeting areas. As the diagram shows there are various configurations which is very important to the learning process. An article, //Future of Learning Space: Breaking Out of the Box//, by Long & Ehrmann et. al. 2005, has shown that making adjustments to physical spaces to meet the needs of learners is imperative to their success.

Additional elements of the graphic below show formal sitting and huddle areas. These are parts of the flexible furniture layout rooms, as well. As shown, the students are working together, collaboratively if they would like; however, it is also an option to work individually at desks or tables.

Classrooms are shown in layouts that look similar to lecture halls and traditional classrooms. It is important to remember that at the transitional stage, if your building is evolving from it’s previous floor plan to a more technologically based building than it is likely that traditional classrooms will need to transition from these well known formats to a newer, flexible format.

The next image shows another format that could be used. This design meets the needs of older students in the image, but could definitely be used with students in a K-12 setting as well.

The piece of this image, the wi-fi enabled interactive zone next to the canteen, is highly recommended to students of all ages. The places for learning vary and students have a choice between sitting on the floor, benches, chairs, steps, and spaces to stand. This versatility meets the needs of multiple intelligences, varied learning styles, and personal preference.



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