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The classroom is a place to learn, grow and inspire.
Students and educators both benefit from a quality learning environment, one that’s full of interaction and engaging activities. While this year is very different, schools are still tasked with providing the best education for their students and making their time in class as rewarding as possible.
The mission of educators does not change.
Which leads us to this conversation about “learning zones.” A learning zone is a space within the classroom that allows students and their teachers to collaborate, learn, and discover. Learning zones can accommodate a single student, a small group or an entire class.
We spoke with Sara Mills-Ryan, Design Integration Specialist for The HON Company, to discuss learning zones and how to implement them into their curriculum.
We get asked this question a lot, and the truth is a learning zone can be many different things.
Essentially, it is an opportunity to create smaller learning areas out of one larger classroom. In the past, the learning zone would typically be composed of larger groups with 10 or more students working together on a specific project or activity. In today’s classroom, the groups are usually smaller and technology has come into play as well.
“There may be different types of activities in these zones. There may be a teamwork-style zone with students, or a teacher-led activity in another,” Mills-Ryan explained. “If the room is rectangular, you can have two different groups with two different types of activities going on, potentially at the same time.
“The learning zone is not necessarily wall-based; it’s based on the type of activities that are going on in each area. The student-to-teacher or student-to-student activity that’s going on in each area is what makes up a learning zone.”
Now that we’ve established what a learning zone is, the next step is identifying what it should include.
In most cases, furnishing a learning zone will depend on the type of activity (or activities) happening in the space. Different types of furnishings will accommodate different activities.
Storage is a primary component. The learning zone’s storage items can be tailored to a particular task, or they can be used to house items for each student in the zone. HON’s SmartLink storage products can be assigned to individual students who can place them under their desk or in another designated area, or they can carry the products with them throughout the day. This is critically important in a time when cleaning and safety protocols are top-of-mind.
“Beyond storage, we look to seating options that can be used for static seating or an active seating arrangement—which could be wobbling stools that allow for movement as younger students can’t sit still for long periods of time,” Mills-Ryan said. “The learning zone can also feature individual student desks facing each other, or spread apart at a safe distance.”
Flock seating is available in different shapes and colors that capture attention and add a fun flair to the space. HON also offers materials-based furniture for the learning zone, such as the Build table series. This line of products features desks and marker boards with dry-erase surfaces that can be drawn or written on.
We’ve covered the “what,” and we’ve talked about “how” the learning zone comes to life. But, what should this space look like?
The priority for a learning zone should be aesthetic appeal. Colors, patterns and welcoming themes will get students’ attention and help them gravitate toward the space. The more comfortable they feel, the more likely it is that they will be engaged.
“Kids are pretty savvy. They’re drawn to things that are active and individual for them,” Mills-Ryan said. “They may always pick the red stool or block to sit on, or whatever color catches their eye. Design of the learning zone is always a consideration. In education, we should be thinking about making the space into a great and exciting place for the students to be active learners.”
Building a learning zone is a true collaboration between the school’s designer, your HON trade partner, the school administration and its teachers.
“Everyone has valuable insight and a part to play,” Mills-Ryan said.
The designer’s role is to listen to the other groups and find a way to make their ideas come together. The space should be welcoming for students and, most importantly, conducive to learning. The unique input from different parties is what makes a learning zone come to life in a way that benefits everyone.
“It’s about versatility and helping schools understand that, with the right setup and plan, they’re getting furniture that can be used anywhere—not just in the classroom, which helps them with their budgets,” Mills-Ryan said. “The learning zone simply makes learning more fun and interactive, which is something every school wants for its students.”
For more information on learning zones, furniture and the various solutions that HON offers, please visit hon.com.
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