The Questions of Intentional Classroom Design

Learning space design is the shift from setting up or decorating a learning space to a place of intentionality based on the brain science that supports learning. Cute, neat, and fancy are replaced by empathy, feedback loops, and a recognition that design is a journey and not something that can be checked off a list. Below are ten questions that can begin this journey.

What are the core verbs of your learning space?

Knowing the core actions that take place in a space can help our intentionality around instructional design, needed technology tools, and shifts in the physical space.

How does intentional movement play into your space?

Research is clear that movement is a key to learning. Learning spaces should promote movement through seating choice, standing options, and accessibility to materials.

How does your design vary to support different instruction?

Designing spaces that can shift quickly to best support a variety of learning activities is a key to syncing space with instruction. Most effective spaces have two to four default configurations.

What level of intentionality do you provide around getting student feedback?

Students have a different lens about their space. It is essential to build systems and procedures for gathering feedback about what is working and what is hindering students in their quest to learn.

What items have become invisible to you and the students?

Inertia, momentum, and tradition bleed into learning spaces, so choices happen by omission as opposed to intention. This can lead to visual noise that is distracting. Consider review and expiration dates for all posted items.

How could you pursue addition by subtraction?

Most learning spaces accumulate items, and one of the easiest ways to improve a space is addition by subtraction. Where is the clutter? What can you remove? Build a cycle of intention around this.

Where does student agency and choice play a role in your space design?

Student joy and satisfaction (leading indicators of student achievement) grow when students have choice and agency in their learning. Provide students opportunities to pick their learning spaces.

How does your foreground support focus and attention?

Distracting learning environment impact achievement according to research. Begin to consider ways to turn down the color and visuals in the foreground of the room.

Can you identify space for collaboration, creativity, and quiet?

Modern classrooms need space for students to collaborate on projects, grow their creative minds as well as space for reflection and refocus. Identify these spaces in your room.