Is it Really Just a Game? How Classroom Gamification Supports 21st Century Learning
Today, more Americans than ever before--58 percent--consider themselves to be gamers, primarily for fun. But, what if games could serve a more educational purpose?
Mobile Classroom Furniture: Enhancing 21st Century Learning; Fostering Collaboration
While traditional classroom furniture and teaching models are still popular, many school districts are making the shift toward collaborative learning environments and mobile furniture. Why the shift?
Infographic: The Science of Classroom Layout and Design
The Rossier School of Education at the University of California created an insightful infographic to illustrate the difference facets of classroom design and how they affect student learning. The infographic, touches on a variety of classroom design factors, such as layout, color, wall coverage, lighting and digital spaces.
How Makerspaces in Schools Lead to Student Success
Given their experimental and innovative nature, Makerspaces in schools present an opportunity for teachers “breathe new life into their craft.”
Edutopia: Improving Schools Through Design Thinking
A growing number of schools around the world are utilizing design thinking in classrooms. The question is then, how does design thinking impact student learning and the overall classroom experience?
The School Makerspace Revolution: What is it?
Library and classroom environments are being transformed into new spaces for students to create, expand their imaginations through hands-on learning, rather than consume and check out. The makerspace is still a relatively new concept, which is why many students and educators still ask themselves: What are makerspaces and how will they impact the way we learn and teach?
Creating an Engaging Early Learning Environment for Young Learners
“I love my school!” is a comment that every educator longs to hear, especially those working with the most malleable of minds: preschoolers. That’s frequently happening at the newly opened District 59 Early Learning Center (ELC) in Mount Prospect, Illinois. The dynamic building is a modern example of how a bright, engaging early learning environment can incorporate 21st Century learning principles.
Building a Makerspace: Ryan Park Elementary’s Story
After attending a number of conferences and observing the creative learning opportunities offered by Makerspace education, Ryan Park Elementary School Principal Amy Heavin decided to put together a team to create her own Makerspace called “The Learning Lab” at her school. Here is their story.
Active Sitting: Creating Comfort and Concentration for Fidgety Students
Many schools around the country are radically changing their approach to classroom design to include active seating, which encourages movement and allows fidgety students to focus on the lesson, rather than the challenge of sitting still.
STEM VS. STEAM: Why Some Schools Are Adding the Arts
While they differ in philosophy, both STEAM and STEM programs have the same basic goal—to improve an education system and for the better. So then, why are some STEM supporters critical of the acronym “STEAM”?
Learning Commons: How Technology is Changing 21st Century Library Design
The rise of digital technology and innovative new approaches to education have given rise to a new sort of library: the learning commons.
How Classroom Furnishings Can Delineate Learning Zones
Recently, Sean and his BRPH colleague, Barry Sallas, along with Steve, presented “Impacting Student Outcomes through Architecture & Design” at the summer 2015 conference of the Florida Educational Facilities Planners’ Association. The Q&A with Sean and Steve that follows includes key highlights from that valuable presentation.