Thursday, September 8, 2011
Assignment
You will be divided by alphabet into groups- not working groups, but merely as a way of categorizing information.
Each of you will have 1 reading from 1 category that you will be required to do the following:
1. Read the article.
2. Condense the article into 5 thoughtful, main topic sentences to be posted on this site. Please be more elaborate than bullet points- let us know how these ideas were, or could be applied in a learning environment.
3. Post a comment on 1 other classmates posting, providing your own original thoughts and analysis to their information gathering.
**** No two people may report on the same article. There are 24 people in the class, so this should not be a problem.
The categories are as follows:
School Typologies
Color
Case Studies
Technology
Furniture
Planning and Physical Interaction
Psychology
Acoustics
Lighting
Sustainability
Special Needs
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Embracing the Hybrid Model: Working
ReplyDeleteat the Intersections of Virtual and
Physical Learning Spaces
1.The future of education is shifting towards a hybrid classroom, classes will be taught combining both instructor-led classes in flexible spaces that encourage creativity and online classes, as suggested by Roger Schank, “spend one-third of their day at the computer, one-third talking with others, and one-third making something.”
2.Spaces should be designed to encourage communication, conversation and relationships. These spaces should be able to incorporate and encourage before, during and after class meetings between students and teachers. Spaces which are flexible, will also allow students to be flexible in their methods of learning.
3.Spaces should provide students with a place to communicate and work together, both in-person and online. Spaces should also encourage students to be productive and be efficient team workers, as well as be able to provide them with a space where they can spend time working, both on- and offline.
4.Active learning should be encouraged, not just ‘field trips’ to computer labs, but learning which forces students to team up, explore in person, do online work, and also create and build as a group. Active learning is students who are encouraged to put care and time into their work, to spend time revising, editing and polishing their work.
5.Feedback to students should be given. But not necessarily in the form where students are segregated by numbers or letters. Feedback should be one-on-one conversations with where students are given personal progress reports. These reports should take place frequently to encourage students to keep trying throughout the semester. These frequent reports between teacher and student allow there to be high expectation of the student.
Acoustic Design:
ReplyDelete1. Acoustic structural elements in schools are usually not thought about until the end of a project. This way they can see how the materials they have already chosen have effected the acoustics of the room so they now how to address any remaining acoustical problems.
2.The acoustics of a room effects a persons experience of the space they are in. If the acoustics in a space are very loud it effects a persons nerve system which causes people to feel nervous and have a high blood pressure. If a space has a good acoustical environment it can cause a person to feel liberated and calm.
3. Acoustical experience for children in school is very important because kids are so active and sensitive to their acoustical environment. It is best for them to experience different acoustics in different areas to help create different emotions for each type of space. Teens are not as sensitive to sounds as younger children because of their emotional perspective. Adults tend to listen to sound for a few minutes before comparing it to sound standards stored in memory.
4. Acoustical design codes were put in place to help prevent any exterior noise from effecting the acoustics of the interior. One of the biggest acoustical problems is noise transfer between rooms. Absorption materials is one of the best ways to help control the acoustics of a space.
5. The height and shape of a room will affect the diffusion of sound in that space. Asymmetrical shaped rooms create uneven sound.
Comment on Zoe's:
ReplyDeleteTaken from point 3, I think it would be interesting to design a school for children - and possibly teenagers - where each room's accoustics are designed to help a child's learning. For example would it be possible to design a playroom, where the acoustics encourage a child's physical activity, whilst having classroom's acoustics to encourage mental activity?
In comparison to the article I read, where flexible spaces were encouraged, would it be possible to design a room which had flexible acoustics, either by being able to add or subtract materials or through passive architecture?
Primary Schools:
ReplyDelete1. It is important for primary schools to not only accommodate adults in scale but children as well. This is important to make the children feel comfortable within the school which will in turn improve their enjoyability and class participation. It is also key to making them feel a sense of ownership of their school and not feeling overpowered.
2. As with any school, stimulation is key in the growth of knowledge in students and it seems to be the most important in a primary school. As this is the time where students are most "moldable," it is an ideal time to jump start their cognitive thinking. This is usually achieved through color, building structure, or natural light. However it is very important to have moderation in this as overstimulation will lead to the students feeling overwhelmed.
3. I found it was also important to create learning opportunities outside outside the classrooms and even creating outdoor classrooms. This was done through balconies, patios, porches, or playgrounds. It kept the students from becoming stir-crazy but also increased their knowledge of nature and the ideas of becoming more "green" or sustainable.
4. Primary schools are not just schools, they are considered "lungs" of the residential communities they are built within. Primary schools are usually created because of new residential developments. Therefore it is important to satisfy the community's needs as well as the students needs. It should have easy community access, where adults can take night classes or have intramural sports leagues. It should also have spaces that create after-school opportunities for kids. Some schools had ponds or lake around them in order to create a greater sense of community. The residents around it like to feel a sort of pride and ownership in their schools so designing them in a way that allows adults and seniors to be a part of it enhances that feeling.
5. The last thing I noticed about all of the primary schools mentioned in the article is that they are built to stand the test of time. They are being built environmentally friendly but in sound and strong structures. It is important to give the children of the future an equal learning opportunity as the children today.
Comment on Sheens:
ReplyDeleteAll 5 points seem to have a common thread within them. It is important to get students to move around and not just sit in the same seat all day within the same classroom. I agree that this is important because the knowledge today is that the average kid is about 9.5 minutes so creating different learning situations is very important to keep them attentive and happy. As for the individual progress reports, I can see that becoming an issue. As ideal as it sounds, the class sizes would have to decrease to a handful of kids. This is because you have to find time slots out of class time to talk to every kid and by the time you get to the last kid you could possibly end running into the final progress report time. I think there could be more efficient ways of keeping kids motivated throughout the year such as gold star charts and consistent positive reinforcement.
Spatial Arrangements: Physical Environments and Interactions
ReplyDelete1. The Classroom is shifting from expository lectures to collaborative activities to become the new primary function of fixed-site classrooms. We cannot assume that meaningful and efficient collaboration can occur anywhere. An interactive classroom must have a level floor, moveable seats, chalkboards on the majority of walls, and six-ten moveable four-sided tables (not a central table).
2. A successful design of educational environments pertains to environmental and social psychology. The relationship between individuals and their physical environment, as well as the way students think about, influence, and relate to one another can facilitate and inhibit learning.
3. The substances, materials, and surfaces of an educational environment provide immediate information to a student which affects their attitude to a classroom. Therefore, desks arranged in rows facing a central podium suggest lecture, whereas tables scattered about the room suggest collaboration
4. Not only does classroom temperature and lighting affect learning, it has an even greater impact on social behavior. Lower interior temperatures promote relaxation in the classroom. Lighting can affect a student academically and socially as well. For example, traditional fluorescent lighting has been shown to heighten levels of "physiological arousal" in students, especially hyperactive or autistic students. The exposure of fluorescent lighting has also been shown to to reduce student sociability.
5. Higher student density results in a higher noise volume and together, studies show that high density and noise in a classroom can result in lower student achievement. Careful attention should be paid to the degree to which students feel crowded in a classroom. When engaged in a collaborative activity that requires movement, high density may be more problematic.
In response to Kate Kirson:
ReplyDeleteI think the years during primary school are some of the most crucial times during a child’s life. I think special attention should definitely be made in the environment of a primary school classroom. I agree that while adult scale is important in a child’s classroom, by creating a smaller-scaled classroom for these students makes them feel like they belong. I also agree with a possible learning opportunity that extends outside of the classroom. I like the idea of sports but I also think that at a young age, students should be able to explore nature. Possible activities could involve a classroom garden or a hike. Structure of a school is also very important, with the lack of money we have going towards our school system, schools should be built to last.
Learning Styles:
ReplyDelete1. Some schools are working towards including students with special education needs and disabilities in to mainstream schools, like in the UK. They are working towards doing this to create more human diversity within school systems. One thing that is a clear topic of debate is whether or not to keep special needs students integrated with those who do no have special needs or to seclude them in their own buildings.
2. When designing these schools they have also found that a limited color palette is important. Color has also been used, as a way of coding a school. Classroom floors one color while the hallway floor will be another. Areas that are more dangerous, like staircases, will be colored a brighter color to indicate a more hazardous situation. This makes it less confusing for students. It is very important that the function of the building is clear, and there are not possible design elements that could distract the students.
3. Students with learning disabilities benefit from outdoor practical learning activities. Some students appeared to be more confident and were more relaxed while working outdoors. This would be an important element think about and as designers we should consider designing interactive outdoor areas at schools. Interaction with animals in the outdoors such as bunnies has also been proven to be extremely therapeutic.
4. One design that has been successful for allowing a lot of light into the school is designing the building in a Y shape, which allows for the building to be completely enclosed but still receive a lot of natural light. Ventilation and natural light was a theme that came up in this reading often, as an important element in the design of schools for students with special needs.
5. At a special school in Finland they have based their school year around the goal of putting together an annual musical. They want children to develop at their own pace so they keep the number of students attending the school low at 70. Even though they allow the students to learn at a pace, which is comfortable for them, they can will all work together in the aspect of putting together this musical.
1)The Department of Education in many nations, including the United States and England, have created Building Bulletins, in an order to maintain critical standards in order to control costs. Therefore architects and designers must work within the framework of tight planning and technical constraints. It is important to be aware of key spatial design opportunities which will contribute towards a successful and distinctive learning environment.
ReplyDelete2)There are a broad spectrum of layouts in designing modern school buildings today. Two of the most common layouts are the free-open plan layout and the traditional closed cellular layout. The traditional closed cellular layout is the most general layout used for elementary education,in which there are standard rooms for general teaching. However, most secondary schools have subject specific classrooms.
3)Internal circulation throughout the school should link individual rooms or subject departments to the school as a whole. This area is where students spend much of their time in-between classes. Poor circulation can create poor movement and can also facilitate bullying. Circulation throughout the school should create a positive environment as well as create a coherent building.
4.)The three plan types to consider when designing the school are the street plan, campus plan, and linked pavilions plan. The street plan should develop a focus for the school community as a whole while also creating a recreational area. The campus plan should adapt with the landscape and surrounding area/environment. The linked pavilions plan should link separate buildings or blocks within the campus.
5.)Not only is it important to design based on the needs of the staff and students, while at the same time staying within the budget, but it is also important to keep in mind the aesthetics of the building, which can create a certain atmosphere or environment in order to further the education of students.
In response to Madeleine Houston
ReplyDeleteSpatial Arrangements: Physical Environments and Interactions
I think interactive classrooms are great and would work really well to keep students engaged and entertained. Collaboration also would be a great way to keep students engaged. I think it is interesting and good that we are moving away from classroom with straight lines of desks and towards designs of classrooms that will help the students to learn and retain the information they are being taught. Lighting and temperature are things that we consider when designing but I had never thought of them as having an effect on how a person may learn in an environment. It would be important to design a space that would keep student alert that can help them focus. It seems that classrooms with a smaller density of students would be much more effective to learn in. I have noticed from personal experience that I tend to get more out of a class with fewer people and can engage better in smaller groups. It could be interesting to see how we could design in a way to force classrooms to have a small density of students.
In response to Olivia..
ReplyDeleteI think that color coding different levels and departments throughout the school is a great idea in order to create efficient circulation and movement throughout, which was stressed in my own reading. I also agree that is is important to incorporate interactive outdoor areas within the school. Children learn from the environments around them and incorporating the outdoors in designing the school would promote learning. It is important to design not only based on functionality but to design to encourage children to want to learn and interact.
Technology:broader concept of learning spaces
ReplyDelete1. Space design needs to learning modalities that extend beyond the dominant lecture, tutorial model to models that emphasis a type approach to space supporting access to a range of related space in varying time modalities.
2. Virtual spaces surround any interaction in "cyberspace" through technology medium of some kind which is not in the physical environment.
3. The designed to investigate how learning community could be created around the development and use of a multimedia digital library for teacher-generated lesson plans and activities. In addition to audio, video, image, text, and web resources available in the library, multiple communications technologies have supported collaboration and interaction among the teacher and university participants.
4.The technical capability supporting the so-called “learning space” is evolving with considerable speed and the interaction of traditional library systems with this systems component framework needs careful attention.
5.Most of the analysis so far has concentrated on the systems view of the learning and information space. It is probably necessary, however, to facilitate a new higher level information model to help inform all parties as to how they can participate in the institutional systems framework.
Case Studies - Classrooms of the Future
ReplyDeleteThis 85 page report was from 2002, proposing several new primary schools in the United Kingdom.
The five main themes of the report are: flexibility, extended use, information and communications technology, sustainability and stimulating environments.
1. The classrooms of the future will have modular furniture, moveable walls, and outside classrooms for science and nature studies. Some spaces may be self contained high tech relocatable buildings.
Some of these practices are already in use in the U.S.
2. Schools are used on evenings and weekends for adult community classes and events. Additional children and adult programs foster an engaged society and neighborhoods.
3. Information and communications technology is vital for a global classroom. Interactive displays and individual workstations provide teaching and learning from any location, reaching out to the rural areas.
4. Sustainable practices include solar and wind power, radiant heating, rooftop gardens with playgrounds, low e glazing and passive ventilation. Natural light and fresh air are also key in enhancing learning environments.
5. The quality of the school environment must be at the highest level if we are serious about raising the standards of education. Designs must be stimulating to both students and teachers. Spaces must celebrate the different educational, physical and learning capabilities of its children.
Many of these practices are already in place in learning environments in the United States.
Technology:broader concept of learning spaces
ReplyDelete1. Space design needs to learning modalities that extend beyond the dominant lecture, tutorial model to models that emphasis a type approach to space supporting access to a range of related space in varying time modalities.
2. Virtual spaces surround any interaction in "cyberspace" through technology medium of some kind which is not in the physical environment.
3. The designed to investigate how learning community could be created around the development and use of a multimedia digital library for teacher-generated lesson plans and activities. In addition to audio, video, image, text, and web resources available in the library, multiple communications technologies have supported collaboration and interaction among the teacher and university participants.
4.The technical capability supporting the so-called “learning space” is evolving with considerable speed and the interaction of traditional library systems with this systems component framework needs careful attention.
5.Most of the analysis so far has concentrated on the systems view of the learning and information space. It is probably necessary, however, to facilitate a new higher level information model to help inform all parties as to how they can participate in the institutional systems framework.
Technological Trends:
ReplyDelete1. A successful learning environment integrates both the physical interaction of a normal classroom and the distance of e-learning within a space.
2. Classrooms should have the capability to accommodate varying levels and types of learning through the use of interactive technology.
3. It is essential that students and teachers interact within a space that encourages communication and discussion both inside and outside of class. This can be achieved through a comfortable learning environment that adapts to an "alcove" of sorts controlled by students, complete with Internet and data connections.
4. Active learning spaces require room in which to interact; without this space, group work assignments cannot be implemented.
5. A well-designed learning environment offers flexibility pertaining to different learning and teaching styles, curriculum adjustment, and adequate balance of classroom learning and the use of learning technology.
Response on Kate Kirson's post -
ReplyDeleteI agree that adjusting the scale of the learning environment is key to engage children. Think lower placed windows, comfortable flooring with adjustable seating and cushion, tackable walls at all levels to display artwork, projects and information. I also like the outdoor classroom as balcony, patio or garden.
The communities needs regarding the space are also important. Night classes, intramural sports and after school care all foster an active engaged society.
Spatial Arrangements : spatial configurations
ReplyDelete1. Schools that are average in their appearance are also only average in their students academic achievements. As designers, we have the chance and the responsibility to connect the design of a facility with learning. There are four emerging trends that focus connecting the design with learning and they are ubiquitous technology, integrated breakout spaces and project rooms, specialized learning environments, and multi-functional spaces that support community.
2. Technology is a major part of todays elementary student's education, it appeals to a child's frame of reference and captures their attention. Designing flexible spaces and infrastructures that will adapt to ever changing technology enhances the ability of a student to learn in the space.
3. Elementary school is a time when a child should be nurtured and encouraged to explore, this can be done through the environment such as having break-out spaces and specialized learning environments. Breakout spaces are the nooks and crannies previously thought of as unusable space, it allows for small groups to gather and for teachers to teach on a more individual and personal level, often by using technology such as wifi. Specialized learning environments are gyms, art and music rooms, and labs. These spaces engage students by being a specific place of "wonder" for children. It encourages a student to find their passion by being a special place for a specific thing.
4. There needs to be a separation between the public and the private (or student) parts of the school. The school is a place where community can come together and that should be addressed, but it is also a place of learning so considerations to the layout must be made. The public and multifunctional areas of the school are the gym, cafeteria, and auditorium. By having these either on the perimeter of the school or in one central location, it allows for easy access during non-school hours by the community, but little interruption to the learning of the students.
5. The needs of students are constantly changing, what worked well for my generation does not necessarily work well for the generation behind me. Schools need to be able to evolve with the times, thus the interiors much balance layouts and materials that are durable with design ideas and finishes that are adaptable and accommodating to the changing students of this century.
Response to Meghan Adams
ReplyDeleteI saw a lot of correlation between what Meghan Adams wrote and my own article that I read. It seems that for today's student, technology is a huge factor in their learning, and school design needs to adjust and adapt to that. I also found it interesting how she mentioned that such a design solution could possibly be an alcove of sorts. Again, in my article, a trend that is emerging within school design is special "break out" spaces that would allow for communication and discussion with students and teacher on a smaller and more intimate scale. These "cluster" spaces are often where students will gather with technology and collaborate on work.
The criteria stated for a well-designed learning environment all lead to a space that is flexible and will adjust with the every changing needs of the student and I think that that is the key factor in modern, innovation, and effective school design. The traditional model of a long hallway with box rooms and box desks is no longer effective. The designs of schools have not changed much over the past century, which is absurd when one thinks about how much the world has changed. I went to the same high school my aunts went to 30 to 40 years before me, and the only thing that is different about it now is the wall colors. I watched a TED talk about education once, and it was titled School Kills Creativity given by Sir Ken Robinson. In the talk he mentions how schools were originally started to teach children basic skills and to get them used to a schedule. They were designed to train children to work in factories, because that was how the world was at the time. Years later, with a job economy that demands creative thinking and innovative minds, the space in which we mold those minds has not adapted and yet we expect our students to magically adapt. To prepare students for the world and teach them properly, we must design thoughtful and relevant spaces that will foster and encourage dynamic learning.
http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
That is the link to the ted talk, I think it is something worth watching considering the nature of this project
In response to Liv's:
ReplyDeleteI think that the interaction between special needs students and those in mainstream schools is beneficial for both groups involved. Programs organized around technology that adapts to varying comprehension levels would allow those with disabilities to learn alongside students in regular classes. Programs focused on outdoor activities would be beneficial as well. I find the careful use of color, as mentioned in the second point, intriguing because I had not thought of certain colors alerting students to potential hazards in the hallways.
Historical Paradigms
ReplyDelete1. In the past century there has not been distinctive architecture for the education of children aged 0-6. Three different approaches with distinctive teaching concepts are discussed by the author.
2. The first focuses on rooms designed based on strict room schedules which produce a series of predetermined spaces. Example: An area for 0-1 year olds, and area for 2-3 year olds etc. There may then be a craft area with sinks, and a quiet zone. The author feels these tightly prescribed areas limit the children’s learning and focuses more on an adults need for safety and security. These spaces do not focus on encouraging the children to explore and discover.
3. The second school design is based on E. F. O’Neill’s school in Kearsley, England. O’Neill felt a child’s day should not be divided up between work and play but rather children learn by doing, and working at their own pace. This meant the school’s interior and exterior had to be a seamless environment. Students could work indoors or outside where there were vegetable gardens, bathing pools and a hard tarmac for “play”. Indoors was a large open plan classroom that was accessible to all age groups. Furniture was movable so that small group activities could form. It was a flexible environment. The architecture of the school is meant to change as the curriculum for the children changes.
4. The third building design is based on the architect’s desire to create a child-oriented environment. The author feels this approach has created the most advance learning facilities. These buildings focus on creating spaces that help a child’s eye become familiar with a correct sense of form which will embed notions of proportion and harmony deep within a child’s psyche. These buildings help children read their environment using all of their senses. The spaces are developed to be comfortable to both children and adults. Important details for success in early year learning include: light, color, smell, sound, the quality of environmental conditions and changeability. Natural light is very important in these schools.
5.Many schools were built in the UK and USA during the 1950s to 1970s without looking to past research. It has not been until recently that architecture for schools is being studied.
In response to Olivia Perry
ReplyDeleteI think schools that design for children with special needs benefit all children. A brightly colored stairway would be safer for all children as well as adults. Outdoor experiences that help teach a child with disabilities could also make learning fun for children without disabilities. A school designed with inclusion in mind is a win win for all!
Learning Styles
ReplyDelete1. In New York State, according to the No Child Left Behind Act, teachers must design classrooms according to students’ learning styles. The act requires that research tested methods and materials are used for the design basis of classrooms. Therefore, the guidelines that teachers are given in order to redesign their classrooms are tested and proven to be affective, not just a theory that could or could not work. This is reassuring considering a classroom’s design can strongly affect how students learn and should not be changed based on a simple theory.
2. Students having different learning styles and therefore cannot be expected to learn in the same structured environment. For example some children may learn well in a traditional classroom, while others may feel too constrained and learn better in a more relaxed environment. Therefore, when designing a classroom it is important to take into account all of the different students you are designing for.
3. Learning environments should reflect the learning preferences of the students. Dunn and Dunn created a learning style model of what classrooms should include in order to meet this goal. A classroom should consider design, light, sound and temperature. If all of these things are addressed to accommodate different students, the class should be able to reach its highest potential.
4. Research has shown that girls are more sensitive about particular sounds than boys are. This means that a girl could possibly be irritated by a noise in class making it impossible for her to concentrate. A boy is more likely to not be bothered by this noise or not even notice it at all. Setting up two different areas for learning in silence and learning with sound could help both groups succeed.
5. Light and temperature can also positively or negatively affect a student’s learning experience. If a room is too cold a student may not be able to focus. A slightly warmer learning environment is generally more desirable. Some students enjoy bright lighting, which is normally found in schools, but other student find is to be painful to their eyes. An area of the class that offers natural or soft lighting is a way to ensure everyone is comfortable and can learn efficiently.
In response to Esther Konrad:
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important that schools are well designed and have a sense of balance and harmony to them. The third building design in which a child develops a correct sense of form and proportion is interesting. I am not sure if developing this would actually help a child learn, but being in such an environment may be more conducive to learning than a small stark classroom make of CMU.
SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS
ReplyDelete- People all have their own individual definitions of perspective. Personal perspectives vary based on vantage point, age, height, attitude and feeling, and are constantly changing. Additionally, vantage point changes individual perception. Different vantage points present different perspectives to the human eye
- Space, whether defined or enclosed, is an important factor in environment. In an educational environment, it has been defined that there should be between 8 and 10 children per classroom, allowing the teacher to get to know the students better and therefore have a better perception of them.
- The amount of space needed to feel comfortable in ones environment depends on the activity. A stationary activity requires less space than an active one.
- In design, our perception of space is highly affected by scale. If an element is larger than the average scale, the person in the space feels significantly smaller than in a typically scaled environment. Within a classroom environment, designers can plan to build on a smaller scale based on the age of the intended audience to help them feel more comfortable in the space.
- In reference to the defined 8-10 children/classroom, smaller spaces provide optimal environments for classroom learning. These spaces can be created by physical walls or other defining elements such as different flooring or groupings of furniture
RESPONSE TO ERIN MCCARTHY
ReplyDeleteDesigners have the ability to shape an optimal learning environment. Creating a space that constantly changes as technology and information renews and transforms is most advantageous for learning because it appeals to a child’s reference in time and appeals to the child’s perception. In addition to being current, educational environments need a distinct separation of space—spaces for specialized activities such as gym or art, public spaces such as auditoriums or cafeterias for interaction and collaboration, and private spaces for individual and uninterrupted work.
Lighting Design
ReplyDelete1. The presence of daylight in educational building plays an important role in the learning process. Sudents who attend schools with daylight tend to perform better than those who don't and it can be concluded that there is a direct relation between the presence or lack of daylight and the way students perform in school. From 10am until noon our immediate memory is at its best, and therefore contributes positively to schoolwork, concentration and debate and from 6pm to midnight our long term memory is at its best which is why it is the best time to study. This circadian rhythm is crucial in children since their systems are more sensitive to change and variation and the presence of daylight in classrooms is incredibly important to keeping this rhythm normal and helps keep the body's natural clock.
2. One of the possible effects of lack of daylight is Seasonal Affective Disorder which can cause people to exhibit depression, fatigue, irritability and lack of concentration and similar symptoms were seen in children who were confined to classrooms without windows for entire school days, the children showed signs of restlessness and more irritability; while children who were in classrooms with adequate daylight were able to develop concentration skills with more ease. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland which helps our bodies know when it's time to go to sleep and wake up; the rate of release of melatonin is controlled by environmental illumination and melatonin levels in children tend to fluctuate faster than in adults and daylight is proven to be of great important to the health of children.
3. Cortisol, a stress hormone, is also associated with daylight presence indicated by high levels during the day and low levels at night, the release of cortisol is directly related to the body's circadian rhythm and the levels of cortisol are higher in summer and lower in winter, both too much and too little cortisol is negative for concentration. A hormone imbalance influences children's ability to focus. Full spectrum lighting which displays certain spectral characteristics of daylight makes a positive contribution to the learning process in school children.
4. A good daylighting plan in the design of schools and kindergarten would be one that provides enough light where needed while making sure there is no visual discomfort and good visual performance. Many typical school designs tend to favor single-story buildings which can be effective for simple daylighting strategies that include both side-lighting as well as top lighting ideas. There are two general categories of daylighting systems; the first is top-lighting systems where daylight is distributed throughout the room from the ceiling or roof and the second is side-lighting systems where daylight is distributed from the sides of the room.
5. There are many different types of daylighting systems including side windows, light shelves, skylights, clearstory windows, sawtooth systems, roof monitors, and anidolic systems. Side windows provide light levels that are stronger near the window and decrease rapidly as one moves away from the window and the height of the window dictates, a great deal, how far the daylight reaches into the classroom. Light shelves create a solution the the problem of not creating very brightly lit areas near the window and dark ones in the back, it cuts on glare and minimizes brightness near the windows and as a result, more uniform lighting is achieved throughout the room. Skylights are a top lighting strategy that is used for single-story schools to bring daylight in from the top rather than the sides. Clearstory windows allow light deep towards the back of the room which creates a more uniform daylight distribution throughout the space if there is another side window.
In response to Emily G:
ReplyDeleteI think the idea that learning spaces should be designed for children's needs (education wise, creative wise, learning disabilities wise) because it is important that every child feels comfortable in their learning environment and is given the best chance to succeed. Taking the time to talk to students about what they want to see in a classroom instead of just throwing together a generic space is something designers should think more about because the students are the ones who are going to be using the space. I think students with special needs, great or small, should be in an environment where they can reach their full potential.
SPECIAL NEEDS
ReplyDelete1. Children with special educational needs and disabilities were not given effective education in the past, because physical deformity and dysfunctional behavior was viewed as being a social task rather than an education issue.
2. A new building type has emerged, which refers to a mainstream school with an appropriate setting for children have special needs. So that it can include some pupils with special educational needs and disabilities to recognize and celebrate human diversity. However, sometimes the settings don't function effectively due to the mismatch with the facilities.
3. Today there are many approaches was developed to solve the problem that how to make the settings match different needs from different pupils. Like having two schools, could be special or mainstream schools, located in different places sharing their facilities by pupils and staffs traveling between.
4. Outdoor area of a school is very important for most of the pupil with learning difficulties or disabilities. Out door environment help them to interact with the natural world, which can benefit them a lot.
5. There is no definitive guide to designs for special needs, but it is necessary to have some good designs apply to schools. This is also a challenge for any design groups when facing the term “special school”.
Spacial Arrangement 12-
ReplyDeleteSchools and Kindergartens under Reconstruction
1.With the change that education institutes are taking more responsibilities for activities students do during school time, the educational institutes should also be converted into the role of the students’ second home.
2.The spacial arrangement of the educational space should not only provide students an environment that encouraging them to study and play with their peers but also offer students a place like their home that everyone has a relatively individual space.
3.The social activities going on between different groups of students in the school helps the them to form their social sense and during this process, the identification of the school or kindergarten is formed.
4.When designing the space, the incorporation of the users’ idea and perception of their space is important and helpful for designers to come up with a resolution that meets both the physical needs and phycological feelings of the user.
5. For a project under a tight budget, a well-considered and well-prepared plan is important. Sometimes thinking from the abstract aspects of the feelings that the users expect to experience in the space helps the design process.
In response to Xin Sun
ReplyDeleteI think education in the early age is very important. Schools are taking more responsibilities for students' activities during school time,Which is an inevitable change for schools and kindergartens. The arrangement of the educational space does a lot in creating a better environment for students both physically and mentally, including providing the feeling of the second home, increasing ethnically diversity, getting better interaction with nature. However, any design or rearrangement within a school or kindergarten must meet the needs of the users, children and staffs. It is also a challenge for design groups while the education concepts and policies keep changing. How to make the change and reconstruction become more applicable and efficient could be a way to work on.
Response to Zenan Zhang,
ReplyDeleteIt is true that education for students with disabilities was considered more as a task for the society and certain department. So I think designers now should not just thinking about solving the those physical need of the students with disabilities but also finding a way that makes this group of students feel living as other mainstream-school students do. How to bring those students into a mainstream school and help they to do the activities that everyone in the school without making them feeling like they are especially taken care of effects on their phycological development. If this is done positively, it would be a good catalyst for their healthier and happy life.
In response to Meghan's:
ReplyDeleteI agree with the points made in this article about a learning space being interactive and accepting to all learning levels. I know from personal experience that I learn better when I can practice what I am taught. It is very important for all students to feel as though they have equal opportunities in class room full of students with all different learning levels. For me personally I find myself more motivated and engaged in what I am learning when I am in a space that reflect what I am being taught. I think the physical space is just as important as the technology that is in the space.
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ReplyDeleteClassroom of the Future: How does space influence learning?
ReplyDelete1. Research is demonstrating that learning and collaboration results dramatically improve with innovative classroom furniture and design. The access to information through multi-media and technology is causing education to change. With a new and advanced way of learning brings essential change to the design and nature of a classroom. Since the 1900s, students are learning in an environment that is intimidating and uncomfortable which, in return, is providing decreasing support to the teachers. It is evident that as technology increases, along with the change in nature of education, the balance of power in the classroom changes.
2. Education is changing from high schools to universities and is changing fundamentally. Technology is everywhere and can be the key to bringing teaching to life. Centuries of tradition must be changed in order to keep up with the idea of competitiveness. With a wider range of knowledge, students can adopt innovation, allowing them to stay competitive. Education has become an important aspect of life and is what keeps the world of competition growing. Students are now forming new attitudes towards learning along with the need to be active and involved.
3. One of the most famous universities in Germany, called the Ludwig-Maximillian University in Munich, offers 150 courses to 47,000 students. At this university, "the classroom of the future" was researched by the department of Psychology and also created the Learning Science Research Lab. This lab hosted the development and evaluation of new learning technologies to support different approaches to learning.
4. Within the project, the idea was to improve classroom design and flexibility, stimulate and support different approaches to collaborate learning, evaluate effects of different layouts and furniture, and also developed layout guidelines for teachers to, most effectively, use the space. The method used was to the testing of different room layouts, all designed in order to support group work whether it be fixed, mobile, standing or sitting. In order to evaluate the impact of the different layouts and furniture, researchers used observation, questionnaires, video monitoring and data analysis. The results proved that students felt less comfortable working in a standing position. However, in the standing more mobile positions, both thinking and idea changes were higher. Therefore, the influence of guided space layouts on group work was very important.
5. Studies prove that working in a standing position significantly increases creativity and solution finding. By adapting the space layout of a classroom according to task, learning then significantly improves. It took weeks for students to adapt to the new learning environment; however, they began to use the furniture more frequently and began to use freedom of collaboration very effectively. The design concepts and principles were directly influenced through the research which was the result of extensive feedback.
1. In a democratic society many voices are heard. Because the internet can be customized by the user it becomes not democratic. Everything has become so easily selected. Everything is on demand.
ReplyDelete2. The goal when students are engaging in the internet is to guide them in a democratic way. Instead of choosing what they want to see and learn about, the internet should be a medium that provides many points of view.
3. When a person uses the internet to focus on just their point of views it limits or cuts them out of viewing others opinions and perspectives. If the internet was practiced in a democratic way, the user would see a subject in its entirety.
4. A learning environment should demand for the internet to be used in a democratic way. In order to learn and expand a students mind, they need to see the whole picture of a subject. This will enable them to think empathetically.
5. The internet is very important tool in a student's education. Students should learn to make use of all the internet has to offer, as well as learning the pitfalls. Students should look to the internet as a resource to expand their learning and not instead of just using it as through only self exists.
In response to Meghan Adams:
ReplyDeleteIn designing a learning environment, I believe one should consider group activity and interaction. It is important for a learning space to be opened and welcoming. It should encourage communication and creativity. I agree that this can be done through group discussion and through technology. However, the internet doesn’t have the personal touch that working hands on with peers has. Although the internet has endless subject material and information, students can learn and benefit more from group interaction. Nevertheless, I agree that flexibility and the combination between the two is most successful.
1. Seating arrangements in a classroom can positively or negatively affect a students experience and feelings towards school.
ReplyDelete2. Elementary schools focus on this largely because in grades K-5, students are being shaped in every way and the attitudes that they have towards education are very fragile at a young age and are sometimes determined form these initial years.
3. Row seating versus Cluster seating were two of the most prominent arrangements studied here and their use in classrooms has been drastically changed from 1991-2001. There has been a major reduction in row seating (decrease from 41%-14%) and a huge increase in cluster seating (35%-76%).
4. Cluster seating is said to promote interaction between students, possible opportunities for peer help and easier collaboration to occur. They can be an effective tool if any only if the teacher continuously maintains control in the classroom.
5. There is no definite correlation between educational success and classroom seating arrangements but one would think that if a classroom was set up in rows, for all of grades K-5, or even just one full year of row seating, school would seem monotonous and would not promote the thought that learning can be fun and interactive.
In response to Hayley Grossman:
ReplyDeleteThe internet can be both a helpful and hurtful tool for a student. It often seems to promote , when it comes to school work and research, things being done last minute and not as much effort applied. I feel that when something is On Demand like that, because you can get it whenever and wherever you want, you don't need to spend hours on research or looking at the library and its an approach that takes the easy way out. I agree that the internet as a tool can be a negative thing when a student only sees one view of things because of the way they are searching. It would be an interesting proposal to redesign the internet and find a way to make it more user friendly and give you a broader view of things. Because the internet is the way it is, I can't say I've ever thought of changing its design but that would be a cool avenue to explore and potentially make it more useful.
Color
ReplyDelete1. Children develop connections between colors and emotions. Certain colors make you feel a certain way.
2. Designers typically decide on colors based on their own feelings. We often forget that children have their own color preference in spaces.
3. Red and blue are the two most preferred colors by children. Although some children cannot identify colors correctly, tests have distinguished these two colors by having the children point, rather than name the color.
4. Chroma and lightness are the most important factors on color emotion. Both genders chose purple as their first or second choice for their preferred color. Designers should incorporate more cool colors to grab children's attention in a space.
5. There is not a world-wide color preference; however, different cultures view colors in different ways. Specific colors give people different attitudes and perspectives.
Response to Kacie Wax:
ReplyDeleteVantage points change with different perspectives and people. There shouldn't be too many people in one space at a time, whether in or outside of a classroom. This could really affect the space negatively, especially for those with claustrophobia. However, if you are given a big space for something active, you can have more people than a stationary space. Scale also takes part in the space perceptions. Designing on a smaller scale for classrooms will help the audience feel more comfortable. Smaller spaces may encourage children's learning.
Response to Danielle:
ReplyDeleteSeating arrangment in a classroom is an essential part of creating an established classroom environment. Small children do not apear capable of sustaining a wide range of concentration. With the attemp to create a stimulating classroom, teachers are encouraging students to sit in small groups. Row seating is more appropriate for a classroom that requires more concentration than interaction. Allowing students to sit in small groups encourages them to interact and correlate with eachother which enables them to share ideas and opinions.