The Synergy between Innovative Pedagogy and Design
Changing Pedagogy
Since the Industrial age when the concept of mass schooling was formed, pedagogical practice unfortunately has not deviated much from this model, despite technological advances, and what we know now about how students learn best. Today’s rhetoric of wanting students to realize their full potential is in direct conflict with classroom-based learning that, almost by design, limits creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking—all essential skills for success in a fast-changing world.
(Nair, P et al. Building Minds. Designing Learning Spaces for Connection and Coherence)
Changing Learning Spaces
Once you engage in thinking about pedagogy from individual classroom silos to a more collective model (Barkley, S) changing learning spaces naturally follows. In traditional school models, static seating and standardized room setups restrict movement leaving little room for autonomy. This rigidity not only hampers spontaneous social interactions and collaborative learning but also deepens children’s disconnection from their inner selves. The lack of flexibility in the environment prevents opportunities for self-reflection and deep work, essential for personal growth and self-connection. (Bartlett, K)
Modern learning spaces offer flexibility, a range of seating arrangements, light and sound considerations, and the opportunity for students to be self directed. Modern learning spaces are not the sole responsibility of the teacher, rather they are owned by the class community.
Learning Communities
An example of innovative education which embraces a learner centered approach, is the concept of Learning communities. This is best achieved in flexible, learner-centered spaces where the individual student needs around space and time, can be accommodated. An example of how teachers reimagined their corridor, from 1 teacher per 10 students, to 9 teachers and 90 students was achieved using existing floor plans and lego. Each small lego block represented 2 children. Teachers chose a lego figure to represent themselves. Their task was to consider the needs of the students, and 'play' in the space they had with different collaborative models. The result was no longer 'my classroom, my students' but rather 'our space, our students' This resulted in changes with the way they grouped students, utilised spaces, and it also changed in the way teachers collaborated.
Transformation can sometimes start small
We had a superb Grade 3 teaching team at Western Academy Beijing, who were excited to move away from silos and work as a learning community. Together we found small cost effective ways to turn a traditional school wing into a vibrant agile learning community. We added double doors opening the flow through the five classrooms. We turned the hallway into a collaboration space with break out areas. We designated one room for teacher collaboration and planning, and we painted each room so that the spaces were known by colour, not by a specific class or teacher. We had similar features and writable surfaces in each room so that students always had access to the resources they needed. These small changes were low cost, yet had a transformational impact on the students and teachers, and was an inspiration for other grade levels to make similar changes.
How Can I Help?
My leadership skills were honed over 20 years in International Educational leadership. To collaborate with school designers is my goal, building agile spaces that are purposefully built to match innovative pedagogy. To steer a school community through this change process requires a delicate touch, paired with an absolute conviction of the educational success it brings.
As an educational consultant I would bring a wealth of expertise and skills to design teams, working directly with schools. I have first-hand school experience setting up innovative learning spaces, and have seen the transformative benefits for students. Changing learning spaces go hand in hand with understanding the internal systems that need to change as well. I am well versed in this, and have run workshops for students, teachers, parents and school leaders, to help them reimagine their school.
NB: Picture credit: Western Academy Beijing. New cafeteria/learning space. Interior design: Anyscale Beijing.