Learning spaces

Understanding and managing classroom space
(pdf)
Classroom environment interacts powerfully with teaching and learning, so how can you ensure teachers throughout your school are making the best use of the space to maximise the learning that goes on? Jane McGregor explains how, even when changing the size of the space is not possible, there is much that can be done to change how the space within classrooms is used.


Optimal Learning Spaces Design Implications for Primary Schools
(pdf)
To achieve optimal design solutions is a complex and challenging goal. This report seeks to frame the multitude of opportunities within just a few major design principles derived from the basics of how people experience spaces in response to the environmental data they gain through their senses and synthesise in their brains. This leads to a focus on naturalness, individualisation and level of stimulation. The resulting practical opportunities have been illustrated / evidenced with case studies and we hope that this material will stimulate significant thought and experimentation about school design amongst clients and designers alike.

Redesigning the classroom environment
The layout of the classroom affects the behaviour of all those in it.
In my work as an educational psychologist I often encounter the difficulties that the physical environment poses to class teachers and children and I have been very struck by the way in which the layout of a classroom affects the behaviour of all those in it.

Educause has a variety of useful articles on Learning Space Design

View photos of school furniture for todays learning spaces:
Silverton Public School
Ordrup School Denmark
St Margaret Mary's Merrylands
and many more via
The Learning Exchange gallery


Previous references to Learning Space Design on this blog can be found by clicking on the "Learning Spaces" tag found on the right hand side column of the blog (may need to scroll down the web page to find the tag)