Choosing a school can be a challenge because it can be difficult to make sure you choose one that can provide the education your child needs to succeed.
Not only will the chosen educational institution have a modern 21st century educational system, a modern educational system that provides world-class education and all the academic skills necessary for future success, as well as a teaching staff unique, learning environment. itself must provide sufficient opportunity for learning. But what exactly makes a highly productive learning environment? Below, we examine five characteristics that help ensure a good educational institution.
1. Change
The ability of a space to expand, expand, and transform to the needs of teachers and students is the hallmark of an effective learning environment. The International School of Beijing (ISB), for example, supports students’ learning by giving them options. By literally breaking down the walls in the classroom, teachers and students have options for how best to learn. In addition to the mobile wall, ISB also offers several seating options in various locations within the campus; such as mobile chairs and sofas. This allows students to make their own decisions about their career choices, which benefit their education. With a flexible work environment, teachers may choose to interact with neighboring classes discussing similar topics as part of their interaction process, or they may decide to divide a large class into smaller ones. less for better concentration.
The new Flex Space from ISB offers the perfect balance between flexibility, openness and adaptability. “Interdisciplinary work is proven to be profound because students can see the connections between what they are learning. When students choose their own path and decide what to study, they are more engaged. But when we have the flexibility to work, we start to see how those things work,” said David Munro, ISB’s high school principal at the time of the company’s creation.
2. To open
Imagine walking into a large room with floor-to-ceiling windows. The light shines in the green interior; there are chairs and tables placed around the room carefully designed to encourage and stimulate learning. You can sit down to make an app, read a book, or brainstorm ideas for a new robot project.
Studies have shown that students do better in classrooms with more natural light, and one study found that using more lighting improved student learning rates by up to 26%. Using furniture and moving walls to create a new learning environment has also been found to improve student performance.
For example, at ISB, designers make sure that they include modern design elements such as clear glass, movable walls and flexible open spaces in the development of new buildings.
3. Easy access to resources
A great way to ensure success is to make sure students have the tools they need to learn. It’s hard to be a clarinet expert when all you have are records, or to research a subject when you don’t have access to a library or the Internet.
The classroom of the twenty-first century will be filled with everything a student will need to inspire and instill a passion for learning. At ISB, the infrastructure reflects this. From a full campus of the latest technology to design labs and creative spaces, to dedicated elementary and middle/high schools, to state-of-the-art gymnasiums, and professional music tracks installed in the music program building , the school inspires a long life. love of learning.
4. Suitable for different age groups
The learning needs of a PreK student and a college student are very different. In addition to the physical space, the tools and equipment that these two generations need is a specific development, which makes a good learning environment for different age groups important.
For example, when the new ISB Early Learning Center opens, young students will have access to game-based learning materials, which research shows help to stimulate curiosity and creative thinking. The center will have an indoor/outdoor learning space, which is a great tool that ISB has introduced into the program, as both environments bring different benefits to the student.
As students grow, they move on to spaces such as the arts and crafts center. ISB’s new or renovated buildings are designed to be the most effective learning environment for students at all levels of education. Learn more about the characteristics of a good learning environment and how ISB supports student learning here. 5. Research Based on Research
When it comes to something as important as student education, there is no guessing. Research-based design is essential to designing effective learning spaces for students of all ages.
For example, ISB’s decision to proceed with new buildings as part of the Facilities Master Plan (FMP) was made using extensive research to provide the most effective learning environment for students. A collaborative approach is necessary to ensure the best results. Twenty people from the ISB community gathered, including parents, staff and administrators, who worked with a team of talented and educated architects. New learning spaces are intentionally designed to be effective in delivering the learning outcomes of the broad curriculum required by ISB, from static classrooms to flexible open spaces.
Now that you’ve learned the five characteristics of a great learning environment, do you want to learn more? Click here to discover six characteristics of innovative schools and how they contribute to student learning.