This week I was challenged to take a look at the space in which I learn from a critical point of view. This was a challenging task for me, as my learning space is not always consistent. When I think about my learning space, what immediately comes to mind is me, a desk, a chair, and my computer. Being a remote student taking classes in between my 40-hour work week, oftentimes I find myself learning in whatever space I am in when free time comes my way. One space that has remained consistent for me though is a study room at my public library. This is a space that I have found myself to be the most productive in, and most Sundays I am found here preparing for the week. While it is far from ideal, it is secluded and quiet and is a consistent space for my learning. With that being said, I took some time this week to look at it critically (not that there is much to look at). After learning more about what makes an innovative and productive learning space, I realized while this space works for me, there is so much more potential for success in redesigning the room. Even though I do not have any right to make changes to this space, applying what I learned about innovative design to this room gave me inspiration and motivation for when I am able to create an office or learning space of my own. The first change that I made was removing the chairs and fixed-height desks and replacing that area with adjustable standing desks. Being able to have the freedom of movement promotes active learning and “fidgeting”. The current chairs in this space are swivel chairs, and I find myself constantly moving back and forth or fidgeting. One of the first suggestions in The Third Teacher+’s “79 Ways You Can Use Design To Transform Teaching and Learning” (2010) list under ‘Bodies in Motion’ was making peace with fidgeting. While I am limited in movement currently, a standing desk provides the opportunity for more active learning. The second change I made was the addition of carpeted floors and warmly painted walls. While I didn’t think this would have an impact on my learning, a study showed that “color, choice, complexity, flexibility, connection, and light- had a significant effect on learning” (Barrett et al. 2013). This study showed that more natural light and warmer colors proved to enhance learning of older students. While there is no way to change the amount of natural light in the space, I added a warm desk lamp to provide warmer lighting instead of the harsh overhead light currently in the space. The last change that I made to this space was the addition of artwork to one of the walls. The Barrett et al. (2013) study also showed that too much artwork can be overstimulating and even distract from learning, but the right amount of decor can be inviting to learners. I enjoyed working to redesign this area even though it is unrealistic in terms of the power I hold over this communal space, so I decided to design a perfect future space for learning and working! I am going to be moving in the near future and one of my goals when apartment hunting is to find a place that has room for an office/learning space. With this in mind and thinking about what I now know about the impact that design has on learning, I came up with a hypothetical ideal learning space. This space includes elements of warm color, flexibility in movement, natural light, and an overall welcoming space to create. References: Barrett, P., Zhang, Y., Moffat, J., & Kobbacy, K. (2013). A holistic, multi-level analysis identifying the impact of classroom design on on pupils' learning. Building and Environment, 59, 678-689. The Third Teacher (2010). 79 Ways You Can Use Design To Transform Teaching and Learning. https://d2l.msu.edu/content/enforced/1470983-US22-CEP-811-733-222510684-EL-14-204/Unit%206%20-%20Innovative%20Learning%20Spaces/79%20Ways%20You%20Can%20Use%20Design%20To%20Transform%20Teaching%20and%20Learning.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=5t2pNRAgX0x4fXxK8B7s2ryqF&ou=1470983
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