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Classe collaborative

Situé à Saint-Hyacinthe, le Collège Saint-Maurice est une école secondaire mixte qui offre un programme d'éducation internationale. Il accueille quelque 600 élèves.

Objectif

Le Collège Saint-Maurice poursuit sa mission en mettant de l'avant l'innovation pédagogique technologique.

Depuis la rentrée 2017, en plus d'accueillir des garçons pour la première fois en 140 ans, deux nouveaux programmes d'étude sont offerts aux élèves:

IMT : Informatique, Média et Technologie

STIM : Science, Technologie, Ingénierie, Mathématique

Afin de soutenir ces programmes, il était essentiel d'améliorer nos installations technologiques et d'offrir à nos jeunes un espace collaboratif des plus stimulants. Nous désirons réellement être en mesure de former nos élèves à la réalité du 21 e siècle.

Nous croyons fermement que l'École avec un grand E doit se renouveler et s'adapter à la société d'aujourd'hui et de demain. Nous sommes déterminés à faire partie des audacieux qui prennent réellement ce virage tant attendu. C'est pourquoi le développement du projet "Classe collaborative" a été amorcé à l'hiver 2016 par messieurs Jean-Pierre Jeannotte (directeur général maintenant à la retraite) et Jean-Philippe Robin (ingénieur en informatique et docteur en éducation). Les achats et travaux de construction ont été réalisés pendant l'été et l'espace collaboratif a officiellement été inauguré en septembre 2016.

Description

La classe collaborative est différente de la classe traditionnelle à bien des égards. Il s'agit d'un environnement d'apprentissage entièrement repensé en matière d'architecture, de technologie et du mobilier. Le fait que la moitié des murs soit vitrée permet à la lumière naturelle d'inonder le local. Le vitrage a par ailleurs une deuxième fonction très importante; celle de permettre au monde extérieur de voir en tout temps ce qui se réalise dans la classe collaborative. De plus, une grande partie des murs de la classe est enduite d'une peinture spéciale imitant les propriétés du tableau blanc. Les élèves peuvent donc écrire sur ces murs lorsqu'ils sont en pleine résolution de problèmes. Pour l'ensemble du décor, les couleurs ont été choisies avec soin afin de stimuler la créativité et l'énergie.

L'éclairage de la pièce est modulable selon les besoins, mais peut être vraiment très clair et dynamique. La classe collaborative offre aussi toute une variété de technologies que les élèves peuvent, ou non, utiliser dans la réalisation de projets et dans la résolution de problèmes:

3 écrans tactiles géants sont disponibles;

2 tableaux blancs électroniques (Bloc note électronique) compatibles avec tablettes et cellulaires sont à la disposition des élèves;

36 ordinateurs portables MacBook Air;

3 casques de réalité virtuelle;

une imprimante 3D permet aux élèves d'imprimer des modèles 3D qu'ils ont conçus;

une caméra 3D permet de visualiser à l'écran des modèles tridimensionnels animés, comme par exemple le cœur humain en action.

Tout ceci vise à favoriser un apprentissage plus efficace où l'élève est réellement placé au centre de ses propres apprentissages.

La classe collaborative s'appuie sur un mobilier tout à fait nouveau genre, conçu en Allemagne, qui permet toute la flexibilité voulue pour accommoder les différents styles d'apprentissage. Le mobilier a été soigneusement choisi pour s'assurer que l'élève reste actif et pour favoriser une collaboration accrue entre les élèves, alors que le concept de collaboration est tout à fait au centre des préoccupations de cet espace d'apprentissage. Le mobilier peut être déplacé rapidement pour accommoder tantôt une fonction de type "présentation" ou "conférence, ou encore placé de façon à créer des îlots de travail en petits groupes, debout, assis, en demi-lune, sur sofa, etc.

La classe collaborative est un endroit qui permet à l'élève d'être davantage engagé dans ses apprentissages, et on constate déjà l'engouement que cela suscite.

La collaboration par le dialogue, le partage d'idées et le travail en petits ou en grands groupes sont vraiment l'essence d'un espace comme celui-ci. La classe collaborative est l'endroit par excellence pour résoudre des problèmes de la vie réelle, et on souhaite que cela puisse amener l'élève à réaliser tout le sens de ses apprentissages. Il ne faut toutefois pas penser que l'enseignant n'est plus nécessaire dans un environnement comme celui-ci ; au contraire, l'enseignant est vraiment celui qui peut faire en sorte que le meilleur puisse se réaliser dans la classe.

Retombées

La première retombée est assurément l'Effet Wow de la classe. C'est un espace moderne, stimulant, magnifique et plutôt rare dans nos écoles.

Une fois l'Effet Wow passé, le plus important est de constater la pertinence de cet espace collaboratif pour les apprentissages de nos élèves. Ce qui peut prendre quatre ou cinq périodes d'enseignement en classe traditionnelle (avec tableau interactif) prend deux périodes en classe collaborative. Les élèves sont tellement impliqués, actifs et investis dans le projet à réaliser en classe collaborative qu'ils travaillent sans perdre de temps, ils s'entraident, font des recherches, consultent leurs collègues de classe afin de réussir le travail. Ils sont dans leur élément, ultra dynamiques et intéressés. Fait important à mentionner: au début, nous étions inquiets de l'attention des élèves en classe collaborative en raison de la fenestration importante sur les couloirs du Collège. Nous pensions que nos jeunes allaient passer leur temps à surveiller la circulation dans les couloirs... Et bien non; ils ne se rendent même pas compte lorsque la direction entre dans la classe!

Plus l'année avance et plus le calendrier de réservation de la classe collaborative est rempli. Éventuellement, il nous en faudra une autre! Heureux problème... Depuis le début de l'année, plusieurs collègues d'autres écoles sont venus visiter notre espace collaboratif afin de s'inspirer pour leurs projets de développement.

Pour en savoir plus

Visionnez la vidéo de la classe collaborative sur YouTube

Contact

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Classe collaborative Collège Saint-Maurice Situé à Saint-Hyacinthe, le Collège Saint-Maurice est une école secondaire mixte qui offre un programme d'éducation internationale. Il accueille quelque 600 élèves. Objectif Le Collège Saint-Maurice poursuit sa mission en mettant de l'avant l'innovation pédagogique technologique. Depuis la rentrée 2017, en plus d'accueillir des garçons pour la première fois en ...

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building information modeling (bim) architect

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Identifying these natural collision zones where people and ideas come together, allows us to then design the spaces, where students can connect and share their ideas outside the classroom.

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Learning Space Design Projects | Classroom Services | Services | Center for Instructional and Learning Technologies | Academics | UND: University of North Dakota

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Learning Space Design Projects | Classroom Services | Services | Center for Instructional and Learning Technologies | Academics | UND: University of North Dakota

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Learning Space Design Projects | Classroom Services | Services | Center for Instructional and Learning Technologies | Academics | UND: University of North Dakota

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Summer 2015 Learning Space Design Projects in collaboration with Provost Office, Arts & Sciences, Education & Human Development, Engineering & Mines, Nursing & Professional Disciplines, Vice President of Finance & Operations, Facilities, Center for Instructional & Learning Technologies and Student Technology Fees.

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Infographic: The Science of Classroom Layout and Design - Smith FilesSmith Files

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Infographic: The Science of Classroom Layout and Design - Smith FilesSmith Files

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Changing classroom layout can shake things up and help motivate students. In fact, multiple recent studies have shown that innovative classroom design can actually improve student outcomes.

According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Salford, good classroom design can boost students' performance by 25 percent. The study measured how many aspects of classroom design affect student learning including lighting, noise levels, air quality, furniture layout and flexibility and storage availability.

To expand on this research, the Rossier School of Education at the University of California created an insightful infographic to illustrate the difference facets of classroom design and how they affect student learning. While the Salford study was a good start, this infographic brings to life in a visual way many similar findings. Like the Salford study, the USC infographic concluded that when high quality classroom design is a major priority for educators, students tend to learn better.

The infographic, which we have embedded above, touches on a variety of classroom design factors, such as layout, color, wall coverage, lighting and digital spaces.

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Infographic: The Science of Classroom Layout and Design - Smith Files

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According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Salford, good classroom design can boost students' performance by 25 percent. The study measured how many aspects of classroom design affect student learning including lighting, noise levels, air quality, furniture layout and flexibility and storage availability.

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Smart Desks : Collaborative Learning Desk and Tables

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Smart Desks : Collaborative Learning Desk and Tables

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Collaborative Classroom & Office Furniture Defined
...read more

"Collaborative learning" is a general term for a variety of educational approaches which involve an exchange of intellectual effort by students and teachers together. Typically, students work in groups of two or more, searching together in a process directed to solve for a common goal. Collaborative learning activities vary widely, but most center on students' exploration and application of the course material, not simply the teacher's presentation of it. In collaborative classrooms, the lecturing, listening and note-taking process may not disappear entirely, but it lives alongside other processes that are based in students' discussion and active work with the course material. Teachers who use collaborative learning approaches tend to think of themselves more as designers of intellectual experiences, and less as presenters of knowledge to students. Similarly, collaborative office furniture is used in business settings for team meetings..

How is furniture for collaborative learning different?
...read more

/Referred to as a modular Collaboration Computer Furniture System or Collab Table-permits the setup of different shapes to promote the types of interaction particular to the collaborative learning process. Collaborative office furniture is also used for team meetings in the commercial setting. Its ability to assume different collaborative shapes allows management to set the meeting room specifically to its purpose. SMARTdesks® Collaborative Learning Computer Classroom Desks- Computers and laptops Integrated Into Computer Desks and Conference Tables Ergonomic Computer Classroom Desks for LCD Computer Monitors, CRTs, and Laptop Computer Desks, featuring Laptop Safes, and LCD Locking Security. Collaborative Learning Classrooms and Conference Rooms with Free Design Services Click on Design Request and give us your computer desk classroom dimensions, the computer technology choices (if known) and how you want to use the computer classroom desk space (teaching methods, multi-use, etc). Design services are no cost and no obligation. SMARTdesks Computer Desks integrate the latest technology into the computer classroom. Ergonomic for comfortable, extended use. Computer Desks are available in single or double user widths to achieve your computer classroom space requirements. Select your computer desks based on monitor placement for your LCDs or Laptops: Computers with LCD displays can be installed in classroom computer desks in several ways to achieve the best balance between teacher-student interaction and ergonomic user-equipment interface. Determining the best computer monitor location in your computer desk should be based upon teaching methods, curriculum requirements and the advantages and drawbacks of each configuration in meeting these criteria. Semi-Recessed Computer Desks position the monitor just below the user's horizon line. Permits an unobstructed line-of-sight plus ideal user ergonomics for the computer classroom. Compatible with iMac® and 24" 16:9 Wide Screen Computers. flipIT® Computer Desks give ergonomic semi-recessed LCD monitor placement when in use, and completely unobstructed sight lines in the computer classroom. When computers are not desired, flipIT® lets you rotate the LCDs under the computer desk tops. Genuine flipIT Computer Desks present the screen semi-recessed for unobstructed sight lines. For multi-use applications, the screens flip down for use as a standard desk. flipIT 19 for 16:9 LCDs up to 20" diagonal. flipIT 23 for widescreen LCDs up to 24" diagonal. Laptop Safe Laptop Desks are at keyboard height for comfort in use. The genuine flipIT® Laptop Safe has a low profile, like that of the laptop itself, so sight lines are unobstructed. Newpath® Computer Desks by SMARTdesks® genuine flipIT® Laptop Safes for laptop security and convenience. Leave laptops connected to data and power for charging at point of use. No separate charging carts needed. Desktop monitor computer desks hold all monitors and laptop computers. The screen is visible to student and instructor and convenient for shared computing where line-of-sight is not at issue LCD Monitor Arms on classroom computer desks support a highly adjustable view of the screen for both students and teacher.

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Smart Desks : Collaborative Learning Desk and Tables

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Collaborative Classroom & Office Furniture Defined ...read more "Collaborative learning" is a general term for a variety of educational approaches which involve an exchange of intellectual effort by students and teachers together. Typically, students work in groups of two or more, searching together in a process directed to solve for a common goal.

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Improving Learning Spaces – 4 O'Clock Faculty

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Improving Learning Spaces – 4 O'Clock Faculty

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Learning Spaces Collaboratory | A link to what we know about planning learning spaces and what we need to know

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Learning Spaces Collaboratory | A link to what we know about planning learning spaces and what we need to know

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From the Field

Creativity Research Findings at 3 Levels of Analysis​

In 2012, with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the LSC undertook a project focusing on Cognition and Context: How Space Affects Learning and Creativity in the Undergraduate Setting. Sawyer was a member of the project team.

(James Madison University, from an LSC Webinar)
Creativity Research Findings at 3 Levels of Analysis
About the LSC Roundtables

How Can Space Facilitate the Process of Making Knowledge?

As a capstone to Series I of the LSC Regional Roundtables, an LSC Forum was held at The George Washington University. This was an opportunity for roundtable participants to engage in cross-roundtable conversations with stakeholders in the DC area. The four-hour Forum, as with the Roundtables, pivoted around questions-from start to finish. The Forum began with each table deliberating about the potential of questions to be audacious and relevant. It ended with table groups sharing their question and making the case for its inclusion in a portfolio of 21st century planning questions.

(New Core Sciences Facility [Atrium View], Memorial University of Newfoundland)

How Can Space Facilitate the Process of Making Knowledge?
Previous Featured Entries - Previous Of Special Note Entries

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Learning Spaces Collaboratory | A link to what we know about planning learning spaces and what we need to know

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In 2012, with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the LSC undertook a project focusing on Cognition and Context: How Space Affects Learning and Creativity in the Undergraduate Setting. Sawyer was a member of the project team.

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Transforming Classrooms and Schools for 21st Century Learners by Design - P21

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Transforming Classrooms and Schools for 21st Century Learners by Design - P21

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December 1, 2014, Volume 1, Issue 9, Number 16

Driving Question: How can we design new learning environments that support 21st century learners?
"We Make Makers" says the 18,000 student Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) in Central Virginia. ACPS wants teachers who will "join the most innovative engineering and cross-curricular program in the nation's public schools" and asks "Will you be part of the transformational education happening in Albemarle County, Virginia?"

Maker Movement Reinvents Education (Newsweek, September 8, 2014) quotes ACPS Superintendent Pam Moran: "The superintendent ... "says many of her students are beginning to "see themselves as designers, makers." She says they're now "constantly looking at the world in terms of problems that they can solve." ...Moran says her district's goal is to create experiences for its students that "make learning so powerful and memorable" that they'll seek out those types of experiences post-graduation."

Across the Country.

Across the country, public district, charter, and independent schools are transforming classrooms and libraries into innovation labs, makerspaces, and learning commons.

In the past few years Shattuck-St. Mary's School (MN) opened the weCREATE Center. The Ross School (NY) and the Nueva School (CA) opened Innovation Labs. Mount Vernon Presbyterian School (GA) launched the I. Design Lab.

Newton Public Schools ( MA) and Da Vinci High School (CA) launched Innovation Labs, MC² STEM High School (OH) opened its FABLAB, Gunn High School's (CA) Library launched The Idea Lab, and Albemarle County's Monticello High School transformed its library into a Learning Commons.

Choate Rosemary Hall (CT) will open its first i.d.Lab in Spring 2015 for students to "Imagine, Invent, and Innovate". The school plans i.d. Lab spaces across the campus in classrooms and even in dormitories in the next few years.

Design Thinking In Action

Many of these new learning environments draw inspiration from Design Thinking leaders like Harvard's Project Zero, the Stanford d. school, and the Maker Movement. In 21st century schools, students become makers and learners, teachers become facilitators and activators, and classrooms become learning studios and learning commons.

Schools supporting 21st century learners realize that new pedagogies -- project-based learning and active student use of technology and making tools - are what enables and activates these learners. Existing classrooms inhibit "makers" from "making" and learners from collaborating. New learning environments linking the new pedagogies and space are needed to support 21st century learners.

Designing 21st century schools and new learning environments starts with asking "What knowledge and skills do students need for the 21st century?" But real design needs to go much further and address the following questions as well:
Bob Pearlman is a 21st Century School and District Consultant and Senior Education Consultant to the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and to Fielding Nair International, Architects and Change Agents for Education Design. Pearlman was formerly Director of Strategic Planning for the New Technology Foundation (now the New Tech Network), President of the Autodesk Foundation, Coordinator of Education Reform Initiatives for the Boston Teachers Union, and a high school teacher for 27 years. Learn more about Bob's work at http://www.bobpearlman.org and @bobpearlman.

What pedagogy, curricula, activities, and experiences foster 21st century learning?

What assessments for learning, both school-based and national, foster student learning of the outcomes, student engagement, and self-direction?

How can technology support the pedagogy, curricula, and assessments of a 21st century collaborative learning environment?

And lastly, what physical learning environments (classroom, school, and real world) foster 21st century student learning?

Knowledge & Skills -> Pedagogy & Curricula -> Assessments -> Technology -> Learning Environments

The new book by Prakash Nair, Blueprint for Tomorrow: Redesigning Schools for Student-Centered Learning, (Harvard Education Press, 2014), addresses all these issues. Nair advocates for aligning the design of places in which we teach and learn with these 21st Century learning goals and provides a plethora of ideas for adapting or redesigning school spaces to support student-centered learning.

New Design Modes

Today we see two ways that 21st century schools are transforming classrooms and libraries into learning studios and learning commons:

Mode 1: One or more Innovation Labs or special learning spaces across the campus

Through its Design 2015 Request for Proposals (RFP) Albemarle County Public Schools invites project teams from its 3 high schools, 5 middle schools, and 16 elementary schools to propose new learning environments for student makers "grounded in interdisciplinary learning." The RFP asks school-site teacher and administrator teams to "create learning spaces that inspire, encourage and compel students to become designers, developers, producers and creators who participate in the learning process in ways that ensure the engagement of higher-order thinking." Grant categories include: 1. Single classroom impact; 2. School and organizational impact; 3. Division and organizational impact. Choate Rosemary Hall's plan to spread i.d. Lab spaces across the campus in classrooms and even in dormitories exemplifies this strategy.

At Innovation labs, Makerspaces, and Learning Commons, I profile some 20 innovative schools that are pioneering with these innovative spaces.

Wooranna Park Primary School in Melbourne, Australia, takes a different approach in developing new learning environments. The school is a pioneer innovator in creating Stimulating Learning Platforms (SLPs) for children, structures that establish a context for learning while, says principal Ray Trotter, " using young children's imagination to create life-like experiences. The learning involved is highly experiential and interdisciplinary and often involves students from other year levels."

The school first developed the "Dragon Boat" for its Year 2 Learning Unit and then the "Spaceship" for its Year 3 Learning Unit (see the video: Channel Seven news report (December 23, 2011) of the Dragon Boat). In 2013-2014 it launched the Enigma Portal, based on the ideas of David Thornburg.

Mode 2: The Transformed 21st Century School

Five schools in the United States and the United Kingdom exemplify the best of the new learning environments across the whole school or campus. These schools are profiled in my 2010 chapter Designing New Learning Environments to Support 21st Century Skills (PDF, downloadable), in the book, 21st Century Skills:Rethinking How Students Learn, (edited by James A. Bellanca and Ron Brandt, Solution Tree, 2010). Each school is original in its design and features:

* Columbus Signature Academy, Columbus, Indiana - features double-sized integrated learning studios, presentation room, multipurpose common areas, breakout areas, and specialty labs

* New Tech High @ Coppell, Coppell, Texas - features double-sized dual subject matter learning environments, large multigroup collaboration zones, project planning rooms, and an open-access digital media library

* The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center, Providence, Rhode Island - features advisory and project rooms, common areas, and fabrication labs.

* High Tech High, San Diego, California - features flexible classrooms clustered around a common area studio, small and large conference rooms, and specialty labs for biotech, engineering, art, music, and digital arts

* New Line Learning Academy, South Maidstone Federation, Maidstone, Kent, England - features quadruple size Learning Plazas, "watering holes" and "caves" for small group collaboration and individual work, specialty labs, and mobile-lecture-style amphitheater seating for use in the Learning Plazas.

Community Collaboration

When educators and their local communities collaborate to envision their next generation school they often develop whole school transformations such as these. This past summer, UK-based education visionary Stephen Heppell led a terrific communitywide consultation for the Lindfield School of the Future (New South Wales, Australia). In October the Albemarle County School Board began work sessions on the High School of the Future.

These classroom and library transformations are not just happening in K-12. Higher Education is also piloting new learning environments in campuses across the country (see SCALE-UP: Student-Centered Active Learning Environment with Upside-down Pedagogies).

Just Released. Take a free preview with Susie Boss's article on Project-Based Learning and Technology in 21st Century Schools. Explore issues and ideas in your PLCs. Advance 21st Century Skills through your school. Read what the most prominent voices in education have to say about Deeper Learning

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Transforming Classrooms and Schools for 21st Century Learners by Design

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December 1, 2014, Volume 1, Issue 9, Number 16 Driving Question: How can we design new learning environments that support 21st century learners? "We Make Makers" says the 18,000 student Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) in Central Virginia.

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How to Redesign Your Classroom for the 21st Century | The Learning Mind

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How to Redesign Your Classroom for the 21st Century | The Learning Mind

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New and Improved

The movement to change education is here. Everything from Smart Boards to Techbooks are taking over the traditional classroom.

But chairs? And desks? Windows? Those are changing too?

That's right.

Technology may be taking over. Yet, the other nuances that often go unnoticed are quickly becoming the center of attention.

Here is where we step into 21st Century Classroom Design.

We are stepping away from teacher-centered classrooms and moving toward student-directed learning. This requires us to make a space that is amicable to student interaction and Project Based Learning.

Over the next few chapters we will cover essential concepts in 21st Century Classroom Design:

What makes a 21st Century Learning Space?

Why does it directly influence how the brain learns?

How can we can redesign our classrooms on a budget?

Step Into the 21st Century Classroom

Imagine for a moment walking through the door of your new classroom.

The first thing you notice is the bright sunlight streaming in from the extra large windows surrounding the perimeter. You almost wonder if the entire room is made of glass.

To the right is the teacher's lift desk, which lifts and lowers to easily change from a sitting to standing position. The students' wing desks are in the shape of a wing to accommodate single student or multi-student use. These are bunched into collaborative group workspaces throughout the classroom. The lime green student chairs sport flexible backs and roll around on casters.

Two Smart Boards are placed strategically around the classroom. A mobile storage unit (with the back doubling as a pegboard of ideas) houses iPads and totes. This keeps the classroom free of clutter and assures perfect mobility.

All four corners of the classroom act as independent work stations, equipped with bookshelves and a laptop for independent study. There is one long Makerspace complete with a 3D printer that occupies the farthest wall.

Rightfully so, the 21st century classroom looks rather different than the classroom you grew up in. In fact, the 21st century school looks much different in general. As technology evolves and our understanding of how we learn improves with each new study, our students deserve to have education evolve along with it.

Characteristics of the New Learning Space

"Balanced with high content knowledge, the learning environment is one of the most important determinants of high quality teaching-learning exchanges." ( Mind Brain and Education Science 220).

A 21st century learning space is characterized by the smart use of space, integration of technology, collaborative stations, and student mobility.

Smart Use of Space:

Spaces are clean and inviting.

Colors are bright.

Natural sunlight is a key feature.

Integration of Technology:

Laptops/iPads allow for independent research.

Smart Boards provide an easy exchange of information.

Collaborative Stations:

Makerspaces encourage active Project Based Learning.

Desk grouping allows for social learning.

Student Mobility:

Mobile desks and chairs encourage students to design their own workspace.

Storage cabinets allow for free space to move around.

A study completed in 2015, The Impact of Classroom Design on Pupils' Learning, shows that the physical school environment has a great impact on student learning. Indeed, school design had a 16% overall impact on the learning rate of 3,766 students in the study.

Why is this?

Social & Active Learners

We know from research that people are social learners. 21st century curricula are fast embracing that notion. We see this as current educational leaders advocate for problem-based learning, cooperative learning, and reciprocal (peer) teaching.

We also know that learning is a constructivist process. Learning is an active exercise, where students are directors of their own knowledge. They build upon past knowledge and experience. Hence, curricula that embraces small-group collaboration and project-based activities nurture our natural way of learning.

Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa, a leader in the field of MBE Science, describes the brain as "a social organ." She argues that small-group learning practices acknowledge five main principles that we understand about how the brain learns best:

1. The search for meaning happens during pattern recognition.

2. Emotions are critical to decision-making, pattern detection, and learning.

3. The brain remembers when facts are embedded in real world contexts.

4. We learn through self-correction.

5. The brain responds to challenge, but it is inhibited by threat.

Learning that is situated within a social setting allows for a comfortable exchange of ideas. This helps to relieve emotional pressure. In addition, problem-based activities and collaborative learning allow students to recognize patterns, apply knowledge to real life contexts, and learn through self-correction. It also provides a forum where students can choose to work on a part of the project that is challenging enough for them, but not threatening or overwhelming.

Furniture that accommodates social and active learning is a necessary part of the 21st century classroom. Think chairs on casters, multi-seating/semicircular seating, Makerspaces, laptops/iPads, and interactive boards.

Independent Space

It is important to keep in mind that there are aspects of learning that call for quiet and independent study, as well. There are times that call for reflection and processing of information. There are also learners who need more quiet time and space to assimilate their newly formed knowledge.

This time and space should also be built into our curricula and our classrooms. We can make room for independent study in our classrooms by building nooks in the corners of rooms with bookshelves and laptops/iPads for independent research and reflection.

It should be a safe space where students can go at necessary times. Creating this space acknowledges the importance of emotions, which are directly involved in the learning process. It also recognizes that learning involves both conscious and unconscious processes.

As such, this space could also be a place where learners can go to "take a break" from the problem at hand. Even so, their brain continues to work unconsciously at finding a solution and assimilating their newly gained information. See the section on "Diffuse Mode Thinking" in the article " The Science of Decision Making " for more information.

Nuances

In The Impact of Classroom Design on Pupils' Learning we learn that-believe it or not-natural sunlight has the highest influence on learning, when compared to other design parameters. In addition, both the quality and quantity of electrical lighting affects student progress.

The study also found that rooms with a balance of light colors and bright colors can positively impact learning. However, the key to enriching the learning environment through color is to make sure to have the proper balance.

What does color and light have to do with the brain or the way that we learn for that matter?

Well, findings report that color affects the cortex, nervous system, and hormones. This in turn affects our level of alertness and productivity, as well as our emotional state.

Other factors such as air quality, proper temperature, and noise level also have an impact.

Design Parameters

How can we use our physical classroom design to make student-directed and collaborative learning accessible to our students? Especially since, as teachers, we are usually on a rather tight budget.

There are small steps that we can take that could help bring our classroom into the 21st century. That is, of course, before 21st century classroom design becomes mandatory on a local or national level.

Before we cover which steps to take, let's review the necessary things to keep in mind during our design process.

1. We must design a space that is friendly both to independent study and social learning modes.

2. This space should include a good balance of bright and light colors.

3. It would maximize natural light.

4. Technology will be incorporated as a classroom tool.

5. We should equip furniture for mobility.

6. Our learning space will be organized and free from clutter.

On a Teacher's Budget

Here are some quick tips that you can use to reinvent your students' learning environment:

Students can use their own personal technology as part of their learning environment.

First, make sure you have the permission and support of your supervisor.

You can create independent work stations, where students bring their own iPads as the tool for their self-directed research.

Look at Thinc Academy, the school that encourages students to bring their own technology to class in support of their learning.

Create a Makerspace using simple materials in a matter of minutes.
Check out this handy guide to bringing the ideas of the Makerspace to your classroom without the need for 3D printers.

Make natural sunlight your morning ritual.

While you won't be replacing your classroom windows any time soon, you can still make a habit of opening the blinds as soon as you come into your classroom.

Buy "daylight" LED's or fluorescent lighting for floor lamps to be placed in independent work stations.

Open up collaboration in your classroom with these mobility tips.

You can use hooks like these on your wall, or even hooks attached underneath desks, to get backpacks off the floor.

Add casters to the bottom of chairs or, if that is too difficult, use furniture gliders for quick mobility.

Group desks into small groups and semicircles for collaboration.

Have students create a bright and light colored space.

Use student artwork on the walls to bring personality to the classroom.

Hang up white butcher paper or bright cork boards as a graffiti board. Don't forget to give each student a different color marker to brighten up their ideas!

You should now have all the tools necessary to begin the process of bringing your classroom into the 21st century.

Happy designing!

Bella Abdurachmanov is an educational writer and writing instructor. As editor of The Learning Mind, a project of Kars4Kids, she studies the science behind how people learn best. Bella teaches college writing and creative writing at Touro College, hoping to impart a love of learning to her students. She enjoys writing, in all of its forms, as a spiritual endeavor and means to self-growth.

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How to Redesign Your Classroom for the 21st Century | The Learning Mind

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The movement to change education is here. Everything from Smart Boards to Techbooks are taking over the traditional classroom. But chairs? And desks? Windows? Those are changing too? That's right. Technology may be taking over. Yet, the other nuances that often go unnoticed are quickly becoming the center of attention.

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© 2017 Learning Space Toolkit. All Rights Reserved. Created using PressWork.

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EDUCAUSE  (2006)

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McGill (2016)