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1. I think it's important to make your classroom look inviting. If students feel comfortable in your classroom, they will feel more comfortable learning. This can include posters on the wall and the furniture you choose.

2. Some benefits of redesigning a classroom are that it can make students feel more comfortable and excited to learn. I have noticed this before with special seating areas, or unique seating other than desk and wooden chairs. Also can sometimes add to classroom community with more collaboration!

3. Surroundings affect student's learning and mood, and it is very important. For example you want to think about what you want student's focus to be on when they are sitting at their desks, tables, other areas, etc.

4. You should always think about space! Don't want people running into each other, or being too close that it interferes with learning.

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- What are some important elements of classroom design?
1. It is important for students to have comfortable and safe learning environment because this will help promote and stimulate their learning! If a student does not feel safe, they will stay in their shell which limits their learning! Same for being comfortable, which I believe is a huge issue in today's classrooms!
2. A benefit of redesigning the classroom is giving students the environment they need to learn and get the most out of each lesson you present to them! Keepings the classroom at a level where students are comfortable but know it is time to learn and work hard is huge!
3. Students react to what their surroundings are. So, if the classroom is too over stimulating, they will be too distracted to get everything out of the lesson. If the surroundings are not inviting, the students won't feel as though they are comfortable.
4. Important aspects of a classroom design are the colors you use, what you choose to put on the walls, and the seating.

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This is the book I read as well and learned a lot!
1. It is important because it helps foster their learning and growth as they go through school to become adults.  If students feel safe they're more likely to let their guards down and open up to you, as  a teacher, and learning.
2. The benefits are wonderful!  Redesigning a learning space and encourage students and make learning fun!  By doing so, you can make students look forward to and actually want to go to school every day.  It also fosters creativity and independent student learning.
3. Surroundings can greatly affect a person's attitude.  Say you go to work and all the walls are bland or dark colors...you're more than likely going to feel blah for the day.  Or say your surroundings are extremely cluttered and unorganized...it can make you feel anxious.  You want students to feel relaxed and energized when they come to school in order to maximize their learning.
4. Some important elements of classroom design are the color scheme, furniture style and layout, aesthetics, lighting, and overall classroom organization.

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1) It is important because the learning environment directly effects the learning of the students. Students should feel safe and accepted. This is important so that students are able to learn from their mistakes and accept failure as an important part of the learning process.
2) Redesigning your classroom has many benefits. I think that it is healthy for students to be around different people. I also think that students need change to grow and learn. You may have a new view or notice new things when you change things around.
3)Surroundings can directly impact student learning. They can either help them or hurt them. If there are too many distractions students will not get things done. If it is too quiet or individual students may not feel welcome in the classroom. There needs to be a balance in student surroundings.
4) Important aspects would be placement of desks, books, material, board, reading carpet. Many things come into consideration when designing your classroom. Door placement and teacher desk are also important to consider.

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Having a comfortable and safe environment can make all the difference between how a student learns. If they don't feel safe,  they will focus on other things rather than learning.
Redesigning a classroom could give the students somewhere comfortable and fun to learn in. It would also make them feel more involved in school if they got to decide some of the design.
If the surroundings in the classroom are too much, students can get distracted, but if the surroundings are vague and are barely present, then the room feels like it's not a fun place to be.
One important element of classroom design is student work. The students will more than likely take having their work on the walls as a reward, and it reminds them that they can do good work and be rewarded for it.
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1. It is important for students to have a comfortable and safe learning environment so they can be the best student and person they can be. Students will be more involved, feel included and important if they know they are in a safe environment which will keep them engaged and motivated when it comes to learning.

2. Giving students a classroom where they feel comfortable to learn and are given the choice of what type of learning space they need to be successful is a great way to help students learn to the best of their ability all while feeling safe in their environment. My 6th grade son was given the choice to stand during class time because he doesn’t like sitting for long periods of time and this has really helped him get better grades and enjoy school more.
3. I know I have a hard time learning when there is a lot of noise and activity in the classroom. So having a teacher that is aware of students needs when it comes to their learning environment is very important. Classrooms should have a calming, safe space where students know walking in the door they will be cared for. Classrooms should not be overwhelming, distracting, stressful and feel unsafe.
4. It is important to give students choices where they can choose their learning space that works best for them. Being open to suggestions and getting to know your students will help provide the best learning space for your students.

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1. It's important for students to feel comfortable in their learning environment because if they don't they won't show or reach their full potential.

2. When a classroom is redesigned students receive many benefits. It's a way that you can create spaces for the different types of learners and personalities you have in your classroom. Redesigning it to give students tools that will help me will allow for them to be more in control of their learning by feeling comfortable in that space.

3. Surroundings can impact student either positively and/or negatively. Depending what is on the wall students can become distracted by it and lose focus during the day. Vice versa, if there is not enough color and posters on the wall students will be less engaged because the walls don't reflect an active learning space.

4. Some important elements to keep in mind would be the versatility of your classroom, can furniture be moved around easily? Is it easy to switch things out if need be or be used in multiple ways? It is also important to keep in mind how much and what is going on the walls, you want to have a variety of colors, posters, and student work on the walls.

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1) It is important for students to have a safe and comfortable learning environment because they will be more engaged and they will learn better in that environment. A student will not be able to learn if they are always watching their back or if they are continually distracted.
2) The benefits of redesigning a classroom are developing a new learning environment and creating something different that will keep students more engaged. The more engaged students are, the more excited they will be to come to school every day.
3) Surroundings are a huge part of student learning. If students were in a history classroom, but surrounded by science elements, they would be in two different places at once. It is important for the learning space to be engaging in the topic that is being taught.
4) Some important elements to a classroom are things that say "This room is for learning collaboratively." It is as simple as a history teacher having maps of the world on their walls or a science teacher having a skeleton in their room. Those are some things that tell the students what they are in here for, reinforcing that subject in their minds.

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1. Why is it important for students to have a comfortable and safe learning environment?
This is important because students won't be able to learn or concentrate if they don't feel safe. Think about Maslow's hierarchy of needs. If a student is uncomfortable it will be hard for them to pay attention to the lesson.
2. What are some of the benefits of redesigning a classroom?
Redesigning a classroom has the benefit of making students feel safe and comfortable. By taking away some of the distractions in the classroom and opening it up a bit makes it easier for students to pay attention. Everyone learns in a different way so having a classroom that reflects that and reflects the students needs and interests make it a place where they feel wanted.
3. How do surroundings affect a student's learning?
If the environment is full of bright colors it makes it difficult for students to concentrate. If the classroom is too busy the students won't know where to focus their attention.
4. What are some important elements of classroom design?
Things to keep in mind when redesigning a classroom space are color, space, the students learning needs, technology needs and physical needs.

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1. It is important for students to have a comfortable and safe learning environment because without it they cannot learn. Safety is a basic human need and if it is not met the student cannot learn because their focus is their safety. If a student is not comfortable, they may not be as willing to contribute the the classroom community and their social-emotional development can suffer along with their academics.
2. A benefit of redesigning the classroom is that it gives students a chance to learn in the environment that best supports their learning.
3. Surrounding affect a student's learning because, for example, too many things on the wall can be a distraction but not enough can deprive students of stimulation. Finding the right amount can help a student learn, especially if what is on the wall are tools like anchor charts.
4. I think that an important part of the classroom design is being able to change it as student needs change. An easy way to do this is flexible seating and allowing students to change their seats when they need to

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1.  It is important for students to have a comfortable and safe learning environment because it will help students feel comfortable and confident when learning new content.  It can also help students be more interactive in their learning.
2. Redesigning a classroom can help students feel comfortable, but also can help students relate more to what they are learning.  If a student enjoys to read, the teacher could have a small library in their classroom.  If a teacher has children that have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time and need somewhere to go when they feel antsy the teacher could have a safe spot for the student to go when they need to get up and move.
3.  A student's surroundings can either distract or help their learning.  If there is too much going on in the classroom then students will have a hard time paying attention to what they should be paying attention to, but if there is not enough going on then students might start chatting when they should be paying attention.  When a classroom has a nice balance then students will enjoy learning and want to participate during class.
4. Some important elements would be: Flexibility in the classroom layout, having furniture that has various uses, and technology that can be used for lessons. Also there should many options for various light in your classroom as well.

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It is important for students to have a safe learning environment because if the student feels safe in the classroom they will want to come back to school and will want to learn. A classroom is where students spend a lot of time, if they do not find the classroom a fun and safe place to go and learn, then not only the teacher will struggle with getting the student engaged, the student will struggle with wanting to go to school every and learning.

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It is important for students to have a comfortable and safe learning environment, as students will be more prepared to learn and obtain knowledge if they are comfortable at school. A classroom is meant to be a safe space for students, as it is where they will be spending most of their days. If their learning environment is not safe, students will not be focused on learning, which will be harmful to their education.

When redesigning a classroom, students will immediately receive benefits. Not only will students be given the opportunity to  learn in spaces that are more comfortable for them, they can also be provided a classroom arrangement meant for collaboration and creative group activities.

Surroundings impact a students learning, as all students thrive in different environments. Some students get distracted by posters on the wall, whereas others can work easily in that environment. Students also need organization and a space to be alone and/or to collaborate, which will help students to become more comfortable in their environment.

As highlighted in the article, "4 Key Elements of 21st Century Classroom Design", the key elements that make up an effective design are: flexibility in the layout, furniture with many uses, lessons that integrate technology into the content, as well as a classroom with many options for light.

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1) It's important for students to have a comfortable and safe learning environment because if it wasn't, would students learn anything? Would they be more distracted or worried by what was happening around them to focus on learning? Also, if it's a space they can learn in, students would remain more focused, engaged, and interested in their learning.
2) Some benefits of redesigning a classroom might include students become more responsible for their learning by not having traditional classroom design, students are able to reflect on their learning with more bulletin boards placed around the room, and more collaboration can occur within the classroom.
3) Students need personal space- one of the articles explained that students need 2-4 feet to feel uncrowded. The classroom must also be organized so students don't feel uncomfortable or distracted.
4) Important elements would include: flexible layout, different types of furniture, usable technology, and filled with light!

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- Why is it important for students to have a comfortable and safe learning environment?
- What are some of the benefits of redesigning a classroom?
- How do surroundings affect a student's learning?
- What are some important elements of classroom design?

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I learned about how the school climate affects each student's learning.

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Building a Positive School Climate - Quality Counts 2013: Code of Conduct

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The design of a school can help foster a culture that inspires community and learning, some experts say. This motion graphic describes some architectural elements that combine design and technology to create a collaborative, connected, student-centered environment ripe for learning. ____________________ Want more stories about schools across the nation, including the latest news and unique perspectives on education issues?

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Classroom design can keep students occupied and focused on important information.  Teachers can manipulate the space in a classroom to enhance the learner's experience.  It is important to connect the learning space to community.  Students feel safe and comfortable in a familiar space.
- A flexible classroom allows for more activities
- Encourages better behavior
- Improves student progress
- Promotes collaboration between students

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The Ways Surroundings Impact Student Learning

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The Ways Surroundings Impact Student Learning

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By Kelly Warfield, Editorial director of Teacher Products, Carson-Dellosa™ Publishing Group.

We can all think back on the school environments of our youth and reflect on the classes we preferred, the topics we found most engaging, and the teachers who blew us away. But what about the classroom surroundings that supported that education? Were there specific activities, environments, or rules that seemed more conducive to learning than others? And what about the classrooms of today?

How can we set up our classrooms to the best of our ability with the physical, structural, and psychological support necessary to provide our students with an idyllic learning environment? Through studies, statistics, and trial and error, we've learned some things about classroom environments and how they can affect student performance.

Cooperation and Relevance

Creating a cooperative learning environment has both a positive social and educational impact on each participating student. Cooperation is a critical skill that has far-reaching effects and can help your students in the classroom, as well as in their day-to-day lives. Cooperation helps students explore and celebrate the diversity among them, overcome their differences, learn by actively listening, work as a team, develop stronger interpersonal skills, relate to their peers, create new friendships, improve their social interactions, gain additional feedback from their peers, and exchange new ideas. All of these benefits contribute to a better, more comprehensive learning environment.

Successful learning environments also require that learning objectives be relevant to your students and their lives outside of the classroom. Without the ability to explore how information applies to daily life, your students are less likely to engage in their lessons and commit that information to memory.

Physical Environment

Astoundingly, research findings suggest that the physical environment can have such an impact on students that it could affect a student's academic progress by as much as 25% . Color, classroom organization, cleanliness, sufficient supplies, and bright lights can enhance learning experience and boost student achievement. Alternatively, crowded rooms and a high-density of students often results in lower student achievement and a poorer student disposition. Research suggests that students need 2-4 feet of personal space in order to feel satisfactorily uncrowded and get the most out of their learning environment. In addition, students who get involved in the creation of their environment (through artwork, configuration, or participation in the physical dynamics of the classroom) experience a sense of empowerment and community that can help increase their overall motivation.

Organization

Disorganized classrooms can take the focus away from learning. Furniture should be in good condition to help students remain comfortable and centered on their studies. Desks and chairs that are in disrepair can be distractingly uncomfortable, and a lack of seating, visibility, and comfort can pull student attention away from lessons. Seating that is well-spaced and comfortable can provide your students with a good vantage point from which to see the entire lesson clearly. Proper seating also gives you the ability to walk freely between desks and provide each student with personal attention when necessary.

Teacher Behavior, Positivity, Motivation, and Clear Structure

The psychological classroom environment is just as important as the physical one. Instructors who exhibit calm and rational behavior can help maintain a supportive environment that encourages student learning. Without the proper support, students risk study anxiety, poor performance, and negative behavior. A supportive and engaging learning environment is a critical ingredient in the recipe for student success.

Positivity is the mainstay of an active and supportive learning environment. Positive actions support a happy learning experience, affect problem-solving and decision-making, lead to better performance and improved social environments, and help each student achieve set goals and perform at his or her best.

Along with positivity, motivation is the fuel on which education runs. Students who feel motivated and proud of their actions will engage in more positive behavior and achieve better results.

Rules and structure are also important. Establishing a consistent code of conduct can help lead students towards success. By outlining positive and negative behaviors and their consequences, you can establish fair and distinct rules under which your students can take their place and learn. By establishing a code of conduct, your classroom can run with a fundamental understanding of expectations between you and your students.

Nutrition

Nutrition is an often overlooked factor in the success of educational surroundings, but it deserves its fair share of attention. Without proper nutritive support, students lack the ability to properly focus on coursework and retain information. Good nutrition builds better learners, and good choices promote better outcomes. Healthy snacks and well-rounded meals support learning, whereas junk foods and meals high in sugar can affect attention, mood, concentration, and motivation. Educational settings should promote healthy, whole foods, not quick-fix foods like candy bars, chips, and sodas.

As educators, we want our students to succeed and receive the best instruction possible. Although lesson plans and educational goals are the foundation of learning, the environment also plays a strong role in the success and support of every student. Materials, décor, furniture, nutrition, positivity, consistency, and clear rules and expectations are all facets of a productive student learning experience and effective classroom setup.
Kelly Warfield is the editorial director of teacher products for Carson-Dellosa™ Publishing Group. Driven by her passion for children and their education, Kelly has been helping children all of her life as a camp counselor, tutor, summer school teacher, classroom volunteer, PTA member, and teacher. Kelly received her bachelor of science in deaf education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with Birth-12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Licensure. Her teaching experience includes second grade, as well as being an elementary school resource room and a self-contained elementary deaf-education class teacher. During her first year as a teacher, Kelly was awarded her school's Rookie Teacher of the Year Award.

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How Surroundings Affect Students' Learning

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By Kelly Warfield, Editorial director of Teacher Products, Carson-Dellosa™ Publishing Group. We can all think back on the school environments of our youth and reflect on the classes we preferred, the topics we found most engaging, and the teachers who blew us away. But what about the classroom surroundings that supported that education?

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How to Redesign a Classroom for the 21st-Century

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How to Redesign a Classroom for the 21st-Century

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The article talks about what makes a 21st Century Learning Space.  It shows the ways learning spaces effect how the brain learns.

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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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The article provides practical steps that help teachers visualize their classroom

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These five steps are essential in creating a 21st-century classroom: establishing zones, ensuring resource accessibility, encouraging mobility, igniting inspiration, and fostering respect.

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1. A Flexible Layout
2. Furniture for Utility
3.  Technology Integration
4. A Light-Filled Environment

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Despite huge changes in lifestyle and technology, if you look at a classroom today and compare it to one in the early 20th century, you won't notice many significant differences.

Sure, desks are more streamlined and there may be an interactive whiteboard or several computers in the room, but the basic setup is still the same-students sit in neatly aligned desks for the majority of the day while a teacher lectures at the front of the room. Fortunately, many professionals are trying to create classroom design for the 21st century in a manner that breaks out of the traditional mold. These classrooms aim to create an environment that foster students' personal growth in communication, collaboration, creativity and leadership skills.

Wondering what this could look like? Here's a peek at what 21st century classroom design will entail.

1. A Flexible Layout

Going hand-in-hand with the push for personalized learning, the driving concept behind 21st century classroom design is flexibility. Students' days are full of choices that empower them to decide how they learn best, and they need an environment which supports that. An agile space also gives teachers the ability to respond to different students' needs.

Typically, these classrooms include some version of a group gathering area, multiple seating options and a flex zone that can be adapted for unique learning activities. This layout allows for a variety of grouping formats and lesson types that take into account students' widely varying learning styles. Twenty-first-century classrooms are driven by student's interests, and the open, flexible spaces allow students to come together to share, collaborate and create.

2. Furniture for Utility

As already mentioned, to support flexibility schools are getting rid of standard desks and replacing them with a variety of different seating options. To allow for maximum utility of the space, portable furniture is a must in 21st century classroom design. Common examples of workstation options include yoga mats, exercise balls, kidney tables, standing tables, sofas and floor tables.

On average, children spend about ten hours of their day sitting, so classroom furniture should accommodate for their natural need to move. Giving students options that allow them to rock, bounce and rotate while they are sitting provides for enhanced circulation and concentration throughout the day-and all the learning benefits that come with. These classrooms also increase functionality for students by lowering whiteboards and making materials easily accessible.

3. Technology Integration

It's no surprise that technology integration is a key aspect of modern classroom design. However, teachers and students are leveraging 21st century classroom design that utilizes these upgrades in new and different ways. These classrooms use technology as a tool to stimulate curiosity and inspire students' desire to learn. Technology, whether it is laptops, tablets, or mobile devices, puts information at students' fingertips and motivates them to research and make discoveries.

In addition, technology integration supports inclusive classrooms, as it allows students to move at their own pace whether they are looking for opportunities for enrichment or need help to catch up. Plus, learning at the right level and pace helps keep students engaged, which dramatically reduces inappropriate classroom behavior.

4. A Light-Filled Environment

Believe it or not, lighting is an important part of 21st-century classroom design. Bright fluorescent lighting is being replaced with more natural and incandescent light through the use of windows and lamps. Not only does this make students more comfortable and reduce headaches, but studies have shown that student learning rates have improved between 7 and 26 percent in classrooms that are exposed to adequate natural lighting. Flexible lighting options are also beneficial as students use technology more frequently since dimmed lights make screens easier to see.

Ready to start revamping your classroom for 21st century learning? Check out this cool Classroom Architect website to play with different designs and envision how you could put these ideas to use! Or, take a look at this Pinterest board for lots of great classroom organization and design tips!
This post originally ran on Edmentum.
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McKenna Wierman writes for Edmentum's Segment Marketing team. Follow them on Twitter: @edmentum Stay in-the-know with all things EdTech and innovations in learning by signing up to receive the weekly Smart Update

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How do teachers create a comfortable learning space for students?

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