Many people outside the educational field don’t realise the important role that learning spaces in the classroom can have in a child’s learning journey. When your child spends their time at school in a comfortable environment that promotes collaboration and discussion, they will be more engaged and motivated during their lessons. In addition, when your child’s teacher gives them a choice in their personal learning space, they will be more enthusiastic about the learning process. Therefore, it is important to understand why learning spaces are crucial in classrooms.
Benefits of Well-designed Learning Spaces for Students
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The children will realise many benefits when working in a classroom with personalised learning spaces. These include:
Seating arrangements that don’t hinder children’s learning experience. In an open-concept classroom that prioritises personalised learning spaces, there is no front row or last row of desks. Instead, there are often learning tables grouped together for small groups of four or six students to collaborate. This allows every student to enjoy the perspective they need within the classroom.
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The children will have more opportunities to interact with their teachers. Teachers have more flexibility to move around and guide instruction in a collaborative learning space. With teachers moving around the classroom instead of standing at the front of it, students are less isolated and more involved in classroom interactions.
With learning stations, reading and discovery corners within the classroom, the children has a variety of options to choose his/her comfortable learning space. These flexible learning spaces and seating options can help students stay engaged in their learning.
Here are three types of learning spaces that affect a student’s success:
1. Traditional Classrooms
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Traditional classrooms are able to accommodate a large number of students and are designed as a “forward-facing” learning space where teachers are able to present information quickly and efficiently to students. Although they have been around for decades, the design is outdated and does not support interaction and current curriculums. Students don’t have the opportunity to debate and share their ideas as compared to flexible learning spaces that facilitate group work.
2. Informal learning spaces
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Incorporating informal learning spaces are beneficial to both students and teachers. It creates a relaxed environment for communication regarding education discussions and flexibility for movement. According to a study by MDR, students feel more motivated when learning spaces allow for movement. Informal learning spaces help generate a sense of community which can facilitate students to become more engaged and productive. They allow room for collaborative furniture and mobile whiteboards, which can encourage students to become more open-minded and physically active to reinforce interaction.
3. Outdoor learning spaces
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Learning can also take place outdoors. Studies have shown that outdoor learning not only improves students’ academic performance, but it can reduce stress levels. A typical outdoor classroom usually consists of seating and teaching platforms and shelter. Outdoor learning spaces can allow students to exercise and to socialise and learn amongst their peers.
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Traditional or modern? Both traditional and modern learning space designs are able to help students learn in various methods. Education planners should focus on what is most suitable for teachers and students according to the subject taught and the teaching materials used.
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