Learners Benefit from Creative Physical Spaces

A recent webinar in the US looked at transforming learning with physical spaces. Educators heard from various school districts that have experimented with changes in physical space to align with learning goals. Leaders in these districts “wanted to examine how to truly effect change in the district, and they decided part of that change had to come from physical learning spaces and how students are–or aren’t–encouraged to collaborate.” Physical space can directly influence how students learn. The article lists several strategies for maximising a collaborative space and links to learning more from the webinar.

From a peace education perspective, attention to physical space can help create an environment in which learners experience a sense of peace and well-being in the classroom. In language education settings in particular, arranging physical space in ways conducive to collaboration and dialogue will shape the level of interaction among students, and thus the amount of communication practice they get as well as the dynamics of the learning community.

How do you arrange your classroom space to best facilitate learning?