Good educational furnishing establishes a learning environment. A key part of building engagement, what the neurologist Kurt Goldstein called “self actualization”, the will to be creative and pursue knowledge.
Much research has gone into educational motivation. The curriculum is a major building block, a teacher’s role matters, yet the place you learn has been proven to be part of the essential mix for success.
Feeling out of place, uncared for, or physically uncomfortable demotivates students. If the environment they are in is welcoming and feels relevant to them, so will the topics they are there to study.
Classroom Spaces
Core skills remain valuable, from the 3 Rs, to learning competency. 21st century learning however calls for more, from ICT integration, to space which encourages collaboration, communication and critical thinking.
A classroom and the furniture within need to be flexible. Able to be instantly transformed from traditional formats, to skills based learning spaces, which support multidisciplinary, interactive learning.
The way a larger lecture hall is fitted out can achieve the same. For sole presentations, or a great place for cooperative dialogue between lecturers and students, or stimulating thought, or discussion amongst students.
From encouraging digital literacy, to drawing out ideas, the furniture you choose counts. Flexibly built items and good design also bring a bonus, they save cost, alongside achieving more for students.
Social Learning
An educational setting designed to enable social interaction fosters engagement, extends the learning zone beyond the classroom. Students become teachers, the physical environment is a catalyst for inquiry and imagination.
What used to be considered “spare spaces” in schools, or colleges, can be furnished to wonderful effect. Libraries, cafes and meeting zones are equally able to do more, the buildings you have become one effective learning space.
Achieving this is a matter of choice. As with classrooms, flexible thinking and furniture can create appealing spaces, serving multiple purposes. Sound financial investment in effective learning.
The Wider Environment
Furniture is there to be used and counts for much, although so does lighting, acoustics, ventilation, decoration. How facilities are managed and how easy they are to manage are also important.
The key is not to think of any element as separate. An holistically planned environment is vital for learning, counselling, self study.
Our view is passionate and straightforward, you can not just pick educational furniture from a catalogue and hope this is okay. The unique purpose, space and students you have should dictate choice, planned on site.
If our design team can help, or you simply want advice, by all means get in touch. We give time to all enquiries because our staff believe in education.
