How to Create Smart Classroom Design that Promotes Active Learning?

Today’s education system has been facing many changes brought by innovative concepts and smart learning models. If your vision is only limited to classrooms, then you’re missing an opportunity to facilitate learning throughout the building. Focus on non-instructional spaces as well like cafeteria, outdoor spaces, and common areas that serve as a natural extension of learning.

Fully furnished classrooms and outdoor spaces designed for active learning provide more flexibility, comfort, and student-teacher engagement. Arranging desks in traditional rows facing the classroom front isn’t beneficial for active learning, instead, students need space to move around and opportunities to interact.

As we are talking about how to create classroom spaces that support active learning, let’s see some key elements to consider:

1. Flexible Learning Spaces

A learning space should be flexible to accommodate various educational activities. There will be times when teachers engage students in active learning models, such as small group discussions and they will need to work in proximity. For this, you can arrange a learning zone for a particular activity, and moveable furniture is arranged in several configurations.

For instance, tables and chairs with wheels can easily move around and create agile learning spaces. Go for tables that fit in various configurations, such as groups of three, four, or five to promote a collaborative work environment.

When learning spaces are designed taking flexibility into account, teachers and students can set up a room to engage in several activities.

2. Collaborative Learning Environment

Instead of equipping classrooms with one-armed bandits, create learning spaces with flexible classroom tables, comfortable chairs, and writing surfaces.

• Easily moving tables give a chance to incorporate various activities and encourage healthy learning experiences
• Chairs that can be swivelled and moved improve concentration and comfort
• Combine furniture with whiteboards, aesthetically painted walls, and even windows to cultivate a safe and interactive culture

3. Opportunities for Movement

To ensure students' movement, include open spaces in the classroom, such as wide walkways between tables and desks. When furniture is designed with wheels, it can be moved around easily to create open-wide spaces that accommodate large group activities.

Consider installing furniture that enables movement, such as stools and chairs to use back and forth, stand-up desks and workstations to stretch legs, and even desks that allow students to walk as they read and study. Give students a range of seating options, including traditional chairs and movement seating, whatever they will be comfortable with, and what effectively meet their learning needs.

As you can clearly see, furniture can aid teacher-student engagement, when chosen and installed in the right way. Keep innovation and inspiration in mind to facilitate active learning. You can discover a large selection of school furniture suitable for learning spaces on Simplova that support mental stimulation and flexibility, designed for the well-being of both students and teachers.