January 24, 2023. Written by Elise Tarvainen
Positive Learning Environments – a Frame for Positive Pedagogy.
Creating a positive learning environment is essential for students to thrive academically. It provides an educational frame for positive pedagogy, and more importantly for positive learning experiences. This is evident – but how to re-think existing learning spaces?
I wish the following ten thoughts for re-imagining learning environment provide you with some inspiration for further ideas. Small is beautiful in this matter, too. Even minor changes can make a major difference.
1. Provide versatile seating options.
Students spend a significant amount of time sitting in their classrooms. It’s essential to ensure that they have comfortable and supportive seating options to choose from. This will reduce fatigue and improve their focus.
2. Create an open and collaborative space.
Furniture that encourages collaboration and communication among students, can foster a sense of community and belonging. Grouping desks, learning stations and modular seating tempt students to learn with and from each other.
3. Maximize natural light.
Pay attention to windows and utilize all the day light possible. Positioning the learning spots near windows allows students to take advantage of natural light, which can improve both their concentration and mood.
4. Incorporate technology.
The integration of technology into the classroom is becoming increasingly important. Providing charging stations for laptops and tablets and incorporating interactive boards or displays can enhance the learning experience. Simultaneously pay attention to wire management for the sake of safety.
5. Utilize multi-purpose furniture.
Choosing furniture that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate different learning and teaching styles and activities allows for flexibility and adaptability within the learning space.
6. In all choices, consider ergonomics.
Incorporating ergonomic principles into the design of the classroom, such as adjustable desks and chairs, can reduce strain on students’ bodies and improve their overall comfort.
7. Promote movement.
Providing options for movement and changing positions can keep students active and engaged during class periods. Height-adjustable standing desks, rocking chairs, saddles chairs and stability balls are an easy and affordable addition to any classroom.
8. Enhance personalization.
Allowing students to personalize their learning spaces by providing storage options for personal items and allowing them to decorate their desks or workspaces can foster a sense of ownership and pride of their own learning environments.
9. Encourage creativity.
Incorporating elements of creativity and play into the classroom design. For example colorful walls, wall paintings or playful seating options can inspire students to think outside the box and approach their learning with a more open minds.
10. Nurture a positive atmosphere.
The use of colors, lighting, and decorations can create a positive and inviting atmosphere in the classroom that encourages learning and engagement. A well-designed and aesthetically pleasing classroom can have a significant impact on student motivation and engagement.
To sum up, the design and layout of a classroom play a crucial role in learning. By incorporating new technologies, and by choosing furnishing solutions that enable personalization and enhance self-directed learning, we can create learning spaces encourage creativity and engagement, and ultimately leads to better academic outcomes.
Looking forward to your comments and ideas on how we can create better learning environments where our students can thrive. These 10 tips are just the beginning – let’s multiply the amount by ten together.
About the author
Elise has vast expertise in international business, having successfully navigated projects on all continents. She excels in working with multicultural teams, blending Finnish best practices into local contexts, and addressing customers’ unique needs. As the VP of ISKU’s international business, Elise thrives on collaborating with top-tier professionals to build sustainable, responsible ventures. Her commitment to innovation and global excellence drives ISKU to set new industry standards while respecting diverse cultures. Elise is a visionary, reshaping the international business landscape one success story at a time.