More universities and secondary schools are converting their classrooms to "flexible learning" spaces.

Research confirms that active and engaging university classrooms improve learning outcomes, but what features produce the most positive—and cost-effective—results? Surprisingly, perhaps, advanced technology is not nearly as high on the list of success factors as whiteboards, flexible furniture, and other space-related amenities.

This project included the interior renovation of the Business Administration Building at the McCombs School of Business on The University of Texas at Austin campus. This renovation was designed to replace an existing computer laboratory with classrooms, a security-sensitive student testing center, confidential conference rooms, and upgraded restrooms. The construction included new finishes, programmable ceiling lighting, digital upgrades for the computerized projection on large screens, computerized writing tablets, acoustic wall panels, and a new high-tech sound system. The project transformed the computer lab into a pleasurable learning environment, an environment which can be changed with a press on a touch screen to accommodate the desired light and sound configuration. The testing center is designed to accommodate individual student testing with forty individually isolated desk units, ergonomic table and seating configuration, LED lighting, and constantly-monitored cameras above each testing area to ensure that testing integrity is maintained. The center also includes two ADA-compliant testing areas to accommodate special needs. The building remained occupied during the entire construction schedule. While this project was scheduled over the summer break for students, in reality, the McCombs School of Business is most active during the summer. Summer classes were conducted both day and evening in areas adjacent to and below the work space. Noise and dust control, as well as constant surveillance of the work site was a steady reminder of the complexity of this project. Parking, deliveries, staging of materials, and work flow required off-hours work over the duration of the schedule. 2014 - Texas AGC Outstanding Construction Award Winning Project 2014 - Austin AGC Outstanding Construction Award Winning Project

The Ellis Hall active learning classrooms opened to students and instructors in January. Each of the three renovated classrooms offers unique configurations and technology that allow instructors to employ different teaching and learning strategies. Mark Kerr, Senior Communications Officer, visited a few classes early in January to observe how the spaces are impacting teaching and learning.

Virginia Tech - Scale-Up Classroom. http://www.lib.vt.edu/tour/floor1/scale-up.html

Ignite Institute Modern K12 Classroom can be an idea starter for your project. Contact MiEN to set up your design consult.

Transform classrooms into active learning environments with LearnFit adjustable student desks: students can instantly and intuitively personalize the desk to...

Transform classrooms into active learning environments with on-demand adjustable student desks. Hear a teacher express the positive difference that desk mobi...

While the basic elements of active learning classrooms are well known, no one-size-fits-all template exists. Here's how to achieve the custom fit your school needs.

New data from ongoing Steelcase Education studies shows that classrooms designed for active learning—i.e., where physical space supports a focus on engaging experiences for students and faculty— have a significant effect on student engagement.

Think outside the classroom (literally). Learning doesn’t have to take place within four walls. Allow students to take discussion groups outside. Outfit hallways with beanbag chairs or café tables so students can collaborate. One San Diego, California, school built classrooms with roll-up doors that open onto a courtyard. “Kids really respond to the freeing feeling, but the teacher is still connected,” Basye says. Mimic digital age workplaces. Libraries need not be places for shushing. Outfit yours with comfortable furniture and have the feel of an internet café. These areas look more like the Google work environment than an old-fashioned school library. It’s an approach that makes sense as educators work to build digital age skills. Go mobile with technology. Laptops, tablets and smartphones can be easily incorporated into an active learning environment because of their portability and mobility. Expect four amazing outcomes from your foray into active learning spaces, according to Get Active co-author Peggy Grant who focuses on the theory and pedagogy behind active learning. Engagement. Because students are making choices about how they learn, what they learn and are involved in projects, they become more absorbed in the learning. Rich content knowledge. When content is applied to the real world and students participate in virtual visits and simulations in flexible spaces, the learning goes deep. Digital age skills. The active learning approach and its matching spaces allow students to tinker with technology and other materials without fear of failure. This gives them confidence to learn about new tools, and down the line, the workplace. Collaboration. Students become self directed and take charge of their learning. Students work together in an assortment of ways, giving them time to self-manage and self-assess. | Into the Driver's Seat

Walker Hall is an adaptive reuse of a 1927 building at the core of the University of California, Davis campus. The project transformed a vacant, seismically unsafe building into a graduate and professional student center with meeting rooms, a lecture hall, and sophisticated active-learning classrooms that serve the entire campus. It coalesces history, community, and advanced educational environments at a hub of university life.

The classrooms of the Risiacher school building in Buchs AG, which will be occupied in October 2021, have been designed with "active learning" in mind. The window sills are color-coordinated with the magnetic cabinet fronts, both of which are antibacterial Sanitized certified. The garnet-red kitchen unit will also provide long-lasting pleasure thanks to the high-quality material. | PROCESSING: Bohren furniture / Alpnach kitchens | PICTURES: CH Media / Valentin Hehli #school

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Active Learning Strategies - Active Learning - Purdue University

by Lacey Rice

Our classrooms have encountered many changes over the years; modern new buildings, changes in teaching style and the incorporation of a more holistic approach to learning – but what remains stamped through education (like the writing through a stick of summer holiday rock) is that children need time and space to be creative, imaginative, active […]

Welcome to the Active Learning Space! This site is designed to provide an introduction to Active Learning, which is an educational approach developed by Dr. Lilli Nielsen. This is a collaborative project of Penrickton Center for Blind Children, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Perkins School for the Blind. It is intended

Active Learning What is active learning? Active learning is an appropriate way for children to develop vital skills and knowledge and a positive attitude to learning. It engages and challenges children’s thinking using real-life and imaginary situations. Active learning supports learners' development. For example, they can develop as: Successful learners through using their imagination and creativity, tackling…

How to create an active classroom experience with technology.   GUEST COLUMN | by Jessica Sanders The traditional teaching method of giving a lesson at the front of the class puts you, the teacher,…