Essentials Magazine Essentials Winter 2019 | Page 22

EDspaces Innovations The Agile Classroom Some call it the future of education. Education experts call it the agile or flexible classroom. Based on its transfor- mational attributes, we know it defines what’s possible in education today. George Lucas’s educational foundation, Edutopia, says this: “While a classroom is different from a [business] startup, certain mindsets and strategies trans- late well: vision, agility, the right tools, creative thinking, and recognizing individual strengths. An agile classroom is an environment in which students are motivated to do their best work and feel invested in the class as a whole.” Engagement is one descriptor that repeatedly emerges when education experts describe this learning environ- ment. It generates superior student outcomes, adapting to a diverse range of learners — from cognitive to hands on. This goes beyond how specific stu- dents learn best by offering accelerated growth regardless of learning style. This growth builds confidence and cognitive abilities in large part through the physical attributes of agile spaces. In our work transforming classrooms, libraries, collaborative learning spaces and presentation areas, we’ve heard countless teachers and school admin- istrators affirm the efficacy of agile learning spaces. Tangible Student Outcomes: • An increased sense of ownership and pride by students in their learn- ing spaces and educational process, plus the ability for teachers to more easily motivate them; • The benefits of movement as well as adaptability, which supports all teaching styles, learning styles and subjects; • The breakdown and removal of barriers to learning, based on varying student populations and individual needs, inclinations and tendencies. Fostering The Ownership Mindset Technology has demonstrably im- pacted society in several ways, learning 22 essentials | winter 2019 being one. America’s classroom is one of the last holdouts and it’s in dire need of evolution. Transitioning from the acqui- sition of knowledge through instructional teaching, learners are now being encour- aged to develop the 6 Cs, a set of skills transferable to any learning activity and ultimately any profession. With this shift, the need to change educational spaces is essential. The key is to create modern learning spaces, classrooms and envi- ronments that cater to students’ individ- ual needs and learning styles. Then, to show educators successful methods for motivating and engaging students, which include getting students to embrace the ownership or accountability mindset. The agile class gives students the power to decide how they learn and from whom; it offers more choice, promoting a sense of ownership, control and agency. Guided by their teachers, students are empowered to think and make smart choices. This empowerment nurtures a sense of pro- prietorship. We’ve seen these learning environments completely change the classroom dynamic. Teachers regularly comment on how their students are driven as never before and how their spaces capture kids’ attention, even high-energy learners. Agile spaces help teachers motivate and engage students in a lasting way. And, because they can quickly and effortlessly be changed based on subject matter, class requirements, student needs and other factors, classrooms don’t become dated, stale or obsolete. Moreover, the flexible classroom teaches skills, not just knowl- edge — facilitated by the space itself and the relationship the learner has with it. Students are guided through strategic fa- cilitation by the teacher but have an own- ership stake in the learning environment and how it’s structured. They experience movement, diversity and choice in their relation to their classrooms. Movement Matters Studies show that movement in the classroom setting builds focus and improves learning outcomes. We’ve observed thousands of students acquire more balance, focus and accountability through the movement that agile spaces provide. Learners acquire transversal skills, those relevant to future jobs and occupations and lifelong learning. These skills can be acquired through education or training if the setting is right. We believe that all truly flexible learning spaces should be able to be reconfigured in 60 seconds or less, by even the youngest of learners. With straightforward guidance from their teacher, learners can modify their environments quickly and intentionally. This requires concurrent physical and analytical engagement that students