Flexible or open learning spaces are hard work. It is a challenge for teachers to adapt their practices, it is a challenge for students to adapt their behaviour. The benefits are unparalleled though, and can be translated back into any learning space.
Teachers working in teams is a significant benefit that arises from teaching in an open learning space. Teachers have the opportunity to learn from others in the following ways:
- simply by observing excellent practice
- being motivated by a great idea
- if one or two teachers have developed a unit which is online, all aspects of a great lesson can be online and available not only to students, but also to teachers.
- behavioural expectations can be set up for an entire group of students, teachers with different abilities to manage student relationships (behaviour) are supported by the development of a culture that is greater than the individual class culture they could have produced.
- The notion of the classroom teacher becomes quite fluid – any teacher can take any class and still produce positive learning outcomes.
- Experts and Special Needs teachers can enter the learning space and not be a distraction to students.
- Special needs teachers can work with groups of students from a few classes and increase their influence
- Special Needs teachers can work not only with students, but also with teachers. Teachers who typically remain content experts can transform into facilitators as they learn to communicate in ways that are developmentally appropriate.
Teachers working in teams provide a richness of experience for students and for each other.
From Nick Hornby – About A Boy “Suddenly I realized – two people isn’t enough. You need backup. If you’re only two people, and someone drops off the edge, then you’re on your own. Two isn’t a large enough number. You need three at least”
Further Readings
- Infographic: Design engaging learning spaces
- The connections between learning spaces and learning outcomes: people and learning places?
- Pedagogy and Space
- Flexible Classrooms: Providing the Learning Environment that kids need
- Innovative Learning Environments
- The Innovative Learning Environments Project
- Innovative Learning Environments – Deakin University
- Learning Spaces in Higher Education: Positive Outcomes by Design.
- Oakleigh State School Flexible Learning Spaces
