Active Learning
The Active Learning Classroom: A Flexible Learning Environment for Children
At LCC, we know that the design of any learning space has a significant impact on student and teacher interactions and students’ engagement with course material. LCC has already begun to transform its learning environments into Active Learning Classrooms where layout:
- augments student collaboration
- facilitates sharing of ideas
- allows for demonstration of students’ thinking in a variety of ways
This innovative approach embraces diverse learning preferences, enabling teachers to see the students’ thinking process and modify instruction and practices according to student needs.
The Classroom Evolved
- Mobile furniture with height-adjustable desks and collaborative workstations mean that students can be sitting, standing, working in groups or alone.
- There is no front of classroom. Focus is on student learning with teacher instruction occurring in the space most appropriate for the task at hand.
- Whiteboards – powerful learning tools – are placed at the students’ level to encourage sharing of learning.
- Apple TV + iPads + student + teacher = enormous learning potential.
A Host of Benefits
- Students learn to collaborate and there is more peer-to-peer discussion.
- Students are more engaged in the learning process and have greater opportunity to think about, talk about and process course material.
- Students learn about themselves as they discover where and how they learn best in the classroom.
- Students are encouraged to move which helps to keep them alert and focused.
- Students are more invested and motivated, retain more information and therefore perform better.
- Feeling comfortable in the classroom creates positive attitudes toward learning as everyone has his or her unique place to learn.
