Learning
Theory
Constructivist: learners construct
knowledge by understanding new information
building on their current understanding and
expertise (Brown, par. 17). Learning is most
effective when its contextual (incorporates
student background knowledge), active
(encourages critical thought), and social
(involves interaction).
Cognitive Ergonomics: This is an area
of research which investigates how the
physical environment affects mental
processes. This concept embraces
creating a comfortable space in the
classroom through strategic selection of
furniture, lighting, acoustics and other
factors. Other factors suggested to play
a role in cognitive ergonomics are
lighter colors, uncluttered spaces, and a
building which assumes the identity of
the school/community through artwork
and craftsmanship (Reading School
Buildings). The idea that choices in
furniture and other aesthetic features
can positively affect student learning
processes is what makes cognitive
ergonomics such an important topic to
consider in the design of a learning
environment.
Experiential
learning/Environmental
psychology: Students learn through
active engagement with their
environment/ through doing things.
Design Theory
Agility: versatile and supporting
various learning activities (Prakash
Nair), which allow multiple activities to
occur in one area. Agility is important
for the design of a small group
workshop space, as small meetings can
be held for a wide array of purposes,
and such intimate spaces should be
adaptable to individual learners needs.
Everything from the furniture to the
technological resources should be
malleable instead of fixed.
Well-integrated technology:
Whether technology in the classroom
extends to learning outside the
classroom, and the relationship
between technology and outcomes
(Reading School Buildings); Steelcase
Education Solutions 2014 study, which
found that classrooms need to be
equipped to not only view online
content, but create it (and stream it as
well), that face-to-face contact is still
important, and that high and low tech
environments coexist in the classroom.
It is important to consider these factors
when integrating technology into a
learning space. Even the most high tech
tools are rendered useless without
attention to the curriculum integration
and teaching strategies.
Non-hierarchical: Small meetings are
much more interactive, so the teacher
should be positioned to interact on an
equal platform with her students.