The document discusses the importance of linking learning spaces with teacher pedagogy. It addresses that the learning space, whether physical or virtual, has an influence on learning. Teachers should strive to create learning spaces that allow students to learn collaboratively in a supported environment. The document then addresses considerations for designing classrooms and schools, including providing natural light and opportunities for student input. It also discusses teaching beyond the classroom through excursions and incorporating electronic learning spaces using devices. The importance of individual and group learning spaces is addressed.

1. Linking learning spaces with
teacher pedagogy
The study of learning spaces is an essential
part of the teachers role. The learning space
can be described as a space, whether physical
or virtual, that has an important influence on
learning. This is why it is crucial to provide
teachers and students with learning spaces
that provide the students with a facility that
influences their ability to learn.
As teachers in the 21st Century we strive to
create a learning space that students can
learn collaboratively and co-operatively in a
supported and motivated classroom
environment. Learning is the collaboration of
teacher and student creating a learning space
together.

2. The classroom and the school
What to consider when designing the
classroom and the school
The environment that children learn in must be a
reflection of their interests.
Students have clear responses about classroom
design of interior classroom environments.
In a study by Marilyn A.Read (2010) she discusses how
“young children understand and appreciate the
aesthetics of their near environment in both a complex
and visceral manner”.
It is important to provide opportunities for students to
design elements in their classroom environment.
Natural light is crucial to children’s physical
development and must be considered when designing a
learning space.

3. Beyond the classroom
Why do we need to consider teaching
beyond four walls?
One of the most obvious ways our students grow into the
intellectual life of those around them is through excursions
and incursions that bring the outside world and students
together in a unique learning opportunity.
Excursions and incursions provide opportunities to
address certain social and emotional experiences and
provide activities to explore these issues, thus helping
students develop socially and emotionally.
When students experience information that is presented
in context, the learning process is enhanced and this can
often occur outside of the traditional classroom
environment.
Teaching beyond the four walls can create opportunities
for ‘communities of practice where students engage in a
process of collective learning’.(Etienne Wenger)

4. The electronic learning space
How can the 21st Century classroom
incorporate the electronic learning space?
‘In order to prepare current K-12 students for productive lives in
the 21st Century more emphasis is needed on models of teaching
that take into consideration more modern theories of how people
learn’. Murray,O. and Olcese, N (2011) p42-48-Teaching with ipads,
ready or not?
We are a modern society submerged with electronic devices for
our personal daily lives and for business and study purposes.
The electronic learning space is crucial for providing students with
the key skills they will need to be successful and confident adults.

5. The individual learning space
Why provide opportunities for the individual
learning space?
The most important attitude that can be formed’, wrote
John Dewey’, is that of the desire to go on learning’.
Teachers expect students to work independently and to
gain confidence in their abilities so it makes sense to allow
students opportunities to be responsible for their own
learning by becoming increasingly self directed learners.
Students who take the initiative and become proactive
learners tend to retain their knowledge and make better use
of this knowledge.

6. The group learning space
How can we provide a great group learning
space?
A curriculum pedagogy of teaching:
-Through collaborative learning
-Student team learning
Team rewards
Individual accountability
Equal opportunities for success
‘Cooperative learning emphasises thinking skills and
increases higher order learning’. Slavin, R (2010)

7. Resources
Text:
Read,M (2010) Contemplating design:listening to children’s preferences about classroom
design. Creative Education, 2, 75-80
Beyond four walls: experiential and situated learning. Johnson, J (2009) p18-20
Schratzenstaller,A (2010). The Classroom of the Past. In K.Makitalo-Siegl. J. Zottmann. F.Kaplan.
F.Fischer (Eds.) Classroom of the Future. Orchestrating Collaborative Spaces (pp.15-39)
Netherlands: Sense Publishers
Smith, M (2009) Communities of Practice: Retrieved from
http://www.infed.org/biblio/communities_of_practice.htm
Murray, O & Olcese, M (2011) Teaching and Learning wigth iPads: Ready or Not? TechTrends .
55 (6).42-48
J,Zottmann, F.Kaplan, &F.Fischer (Eds.), Classroom of the Future:Orchestrating collaborative
spaces (pp.87-114). Rotterdam, the Netherlands: Sense Publishers.
Images:
http://interiorbuz.com/interior-design-for-barrett-ranch-elementary-school-classroom-ideas/
http://openlearningspaces.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/pushing-boundaries-what-might-be.html
http://www.tynker.com/blog/