Achieving greater flexibility in the learning environment
Here are 3 top tips to creating your agile space:
1. Break free from the traditional mindset
An agile space first starts with the willingness to break the norms and look at the space from an alternative viewpoint.
This includes trying new teaching methods, engaging students on different levels – both physically and mentally, and being responsive to diverse learning styles and abilities. By fostering an adaptable mindset, you can tailor your approach to meet the dynamic needs of your students and engage them in subjects and discussions that spark imagination and learning.
2. Take a step away from the ‘front of classroom’ model
Traditionally, about 80% of teaching carried out by the teacher in front of the classroom presenting while students take notes or repeat information back to teacher. A great tool for effectively integrating inquiry-based learning strategies into your lessons is to use agile classroom furniture. This flexible furniture arrangement promotes collaborative learning, allowing students to learn from their peers, reinforcing their 21st century skills and putting into practice a topic that they have just learnt. Additionally, it provides opportunities for students to ask questions and seek clarification from the educator, enhancing their understanding. This shift not only makes learning more interactive and engaging but also allows educators to provide targeted support to students who need it most, while the students excelling in task can be engaged in a different learning space within the classroom.
3. Utilise non-fixed furniture and flexible learning spaces
Choose moveable furniture like light weight desks that can be easily reconfigured. This flexibility allows educators to create various learning environments, such as small group settings, collaborative workspaces, or traditional rows, depending on the lesson objectives or student needs.
By treating furniture as a teaching tool and part of lesson planning, you can optimise space to enhance learning experiences and accommodate diverse learning styles. Designing various learning spaces such as the watering hole for peer learning, break away spaces with tasks for fast or slow learning students, help a teacher maintain forward learning in students.
They say change is as good as a holiday, so embrace change in your classroom by creating dynamic and flexible learning environments every day.
By implementing these tips, educators can transform their classrooms into agile spaces that promote creativity, collaboration, and individualised learning opportunities. Embracing flexibility in both teaching practices and physical classroom design can significantly enrich the educational experience for both students and teachers alike.
