Collaborative Learning Spaces™

Physical Space Design

In relation to Collaborative Learning Spaces™, physical space design is the orchestration of modular/movable furniture and technology that help facilitate student interactions within a face-to-face learning environment.

Collaborative Learning Spaces™ (CLS)is transforming learning communities through physical space design that replaces traditional student furniture and fixtures in K-12 classrooms with interactive modular and movable furniture and technology.

Our learning designs are associated with collaborative learning and project-based learning over direct instruction models of instruction. Do not think of these physical spaces as traditional activity centers, often located against a wall or in a corner and superseded by the whole classroom set of student desks and chairs.

This site strives to provide insight and strategies to educators as they 'mobilize' their classroom to optimize learning and helps create the pedagogical shift from teacher-centered learning to student-centered learning.

Using a variety of modular and movable furniture facilitates a change in how classroom activities and group behavior occur for students who traditionally sit in the same fixed spot everyday. This site is not about showcasing products but rather provides manufacturer web links to furniture and equipment that exemplify the concept of Collaborative Learning Spaces.

CLS also challenges the mindset that classroom physical space like the carpet or floor are for only the very young. It is our mission here to begin to change that mindset by providing alternatives to traditional stand and deliver classroom layouts. Think of applying Montessori methods of instruction with secondary students and having resources like a Lakeshore type of store for these same older students.

Also think about Starbucks, Panera and Barnes & Noble as models for 21st Century study spaces. K-12 schools could learn something from these smart companies that sell comfort as a place to multi-task while you consume their products.

The Desk and Chair Caster as a Game Changer in Education

How could something so simple as a caster wheel for student desks and chairs revolutionize educational practices? Small mobile computers and interactive whiteboards often are the first hardware items that come to mind when thinking of 21st century learning environments. If pedagogical foundations of project-based and collaborative learning are helping to shape progressive instructional strategies, then we should first look at replacing the dead weight furniture that can't be easily moved around. Casters create modular and movable furniture that students and teachers can easily move to form a variety of large and small group learning spaces. Twenty-first century learning environments start with a bunch of little plastic wheels.

caster graphic adapted
from coolcasters.com