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The Importance of a Flexible Learning Environment

September 3, 2015

According an article on Edutopia.com, recent studies have shown that “flexible classrooms give students a choice in what kind of learning space works best for them, and help them to work collaboratively, communicate, and engage in critical thinking.” A case study performed at Albemarle County Public Schools revealed that giving students several classroom configuration options to play and learn in has allowed for happier, more engaged students with a significant improvement in academic performance overall.

Back to school

If you’re looking to adopt a flexible learning environment within your own classroom, here’s how to get started:

Envision your space and make room. The very first step is to assess your current classroom layout and furniture situation, and reimagine it in a new way. It may be beneficial to start by throwing away or removing anything in the classroom that you feel clutters the space or no longer serves the students. Don’t be afraid to get rid of traditional schooling equipment or furniture to make way for new, innovative options.

Create several comfortable learning areas. Break free from the traditional bounds of seating charts and replace rigid rows of desks with inventive seating options, like old crates, buckets, bean bag chairs and more. Give students the option to sit in desks, lounge on couches or relax on a floor full of pillows. The more choices, the better.

Allow your students the freedom to choose. During the first few weeks of school, make sure your students know that they are free to sit wherever they like, as long as they pay attention and continue to complete their assigned work. The idea here is that while you’re giving your students a less stressful working environment, they’re then obligated to repay you by paying attention and producing quality school work.

At Nickerson Corporation, we believe that students should have plenty of durable, comfortable furniture to learn, play and grow on. That’s why we’re committed to providing a wide variety of classroom furniture options to compliment flexible learning environments of all styles. From traditional desks, to moveable and lounge furniture solutions, we’ve got everything you need to create the perfect classroom setting.

To learn more about our classroom furniture solutions, call 631-666-0200 today.