In this session, participants will explore ways in which form drives function and how flexible learning spaces can support learner centered education.

Goals:

• Explore ways in which form drives function and how flexible learning spaces can support learner centered education.

Build Background and Reflect

• Read and explore resources from the Edutopia article: Classroom Makeovers to Engage Learning
  • Reflect on the following questions after you have completed the article review:
    • When learners walk into your classroom, what do you want them to see, feel, and think?
    • Reflect on different environments in which you work and how they impact your ability to think, collaborate, be creative, motivate, or increase energy (i.e. The office, coffee shop, your living room, etc).
      • How does form drive function in each of these environments?

Using a paper and pencil or an online tool like Mind Meister, create a mind map that outlines the connection between various flexible learning spaces in your current learning environment and the purpose for those spaces.

Video Session

View the Session Recording 

Interactive Notes Document

Apply Your Learning

Review the research based document from Steelcase Education, shared in the video presentation, to discover ways to redesign your classroom and implement flexible learning spaces that have purpose and drive learning.

You may also consider how to bring elements of flexible learning spaces discussed in the 3rd Teacher to life.

In order to create meaningful opportunities for learners to make choices and become self-directed in their learning, we have to move away from being lesson planners and embrace our role as designers of learning opportunities and educational spaces. 

Learning designers empathize and seek to understand, define challenges and decisions to be made, share and value all ideas, create prototypes for iterations of their work, test their iterations to determine what works and how to move the design forward, and value the learner as the center of design.

Start the Module

Education and Parents are calling for “student centered” classrooms, but there is a wide range of practices and expectations of what this means. This presentation will provide four pillars of practice to consider in framing a student centered classroom. Beginning with UDL as the basis for how curriculum is presented to students, the other pillars include communication practices, student and teacher accountability, and feedback to guide student progression through curriculum. This session will focus on these practices which support the student centered classroom while retaining teacher sanity!

Session Video Recording
Video Transcript
Discussion Guide
Slide Deck (PDF) (PowerPoint)

This article presents neuroscientific evidence for supporting individual learners rather than different learning styles.  The Learning Profile is offered as a tool to empower students through the UDL concepts of Access, Engagement and Expression.  

14 downloadable "Look-For's", evidence of student-centered enviroments, are presented.  Eight of these are highlighted for special consideration.   

The UDL-PLC series provides you with 15 modules that guide the development of a professional learning community focusing on UDL. Each module has 2 segments: Learn and Discuss.  While UDL-PLC modules can be viewed in the order of your choosing, we suggest that you be sure to view following module, which serves as introductions to the series. 

Introduction To Developing A PLC: UDL-PLC Module Series

In this module, you will learn about flexible, student-centered classroom design, and the importance of establishing classroom routines. You will reflect on how the organization of classroom space supports UDL principles and guidelines, and share your thoughts with your PLC colleagues.