Experimental Classroom: Learning Spaces Initiative

InnovationLearning Spaces InitiativeActive Learning

Aug 29

Alternative Spaces

I have taught in a variety of classrooms over the years. While most of them have been traditional rooms with rows of desks, I’ve taught in unique spaces as well. One that sticks out in particular: a converted carriage house on an old manor estate turned boarding school in England.

For the last few years, my favorite classroom has been an active learning classroom at the West Houston Institute. This room has four round tables, five screens, and five markerboards. It’s great for group work, class discussions, and faculty input.

Alternate classroom formation for active learning

Learning Spaces Initiative

The Learning Spaces Initiative at the West Houston Institute, “serves as an active research project and practicum for the impact and implementation of pedagogies designed to draw upon and maximize the learning environment for the transformation of higher education and student success.”

I volunteered for the initiative and was asked to participate in designing protocols for one of the experimental classrooms this semester. Two of my classes this term take place in the “Coffee Shop”:

[It] is themed for ad hoc or informal teamwork and activities. Like the DFR, the Coffeeshop is fully carpeted. It is also equipped with two whiteboard paneled walls and a number of portable whiteboards.
The Coffeeshop more overtly utilizes color theory, as the furnishings are more colorful. It also utilizes a much broader array of seating types, allowing learners to select between more traditional chair and desk formats or couches, stadium seats, or even ‘lilypads’ for floor seating. The Coffeeshop also includes wobble seating for those with sensory or anxiety concerns that allow student movement without disruption. The overall setting of the room is designed to invoke a relaxed environment akin to a coffee shop, clubhouse, or even living room setting.
At the same time, the furniture remains mobile and easily reconfigured to allow for both smaller pod work and open space full participation. The Coffeeshop also has a designated electronics cart to allow for wireless connectivity, and portable whiteboards for collaborative ideating regardless of the seating arrangements.