EDspaces Innovations
steer, helping them take charge of and
responsibility for learning.
Another example of movement
in a learning space is having tables at
various heights in a classroom. Versus a
series of static or even height-adjustable
tables, this variety encourages students
to freely move from one workspace to
another. Standing height tables create
the opportunity for movement and
increased blood flow, with physical as
well as cognitive benefits. At a standing
height table, students can use a balance
board, which we incorporate into our
agile classrooms. In doing so, they fuse
physical (body) control with concentra-
tion and focus (mind) requirements.
Removing Barriers to Learning
Whether they’re visual or hands-on
learners, or those requiring additional
support, every student must be involved
so they can learn and thrive. Using agile
furniture, such as moveable and multi-
purpose tables; storage that doubles as
seating or work surfaces; a varied selec-
tion of workspaces; lightweight, movable
seats and other adaptable features, each
space has the flexibility to be quickly re-
arranged and transformed into a unique,
subject-appropriate setting — one that’s
visually appealing, smart and that in-
volves the student at a deeper level.
In addition to creating spaces
specific to an activity, flexible learning
environments can be reconfigured ac-
cording to student and teacher needs,
breaking down obstacles to learning.
Students can select their preferred
workspace or create their own. When
they are in a space where they feel
more comfortable or safe, they are
better able to retain information and
are more engaged. In addition, to more
effectively utilize the space and en-
gage, our classroom furniture designs
always include versatility. We make use
of walls, floors and the entire room,
enabling teachers to have kids stand
during certain aspects of the lesson, sit
during others and balance (seated or
standing) for others. This exemplifies
complete engagement and helps kids
manage their energy levels.
We’ve had hundreds of teachers and
school administrators tell us that the
empowerment students acquire en-
ables introverted learners to shine. One
principal emailed us recently saying
“Our best teachers are saying that with
the agile classroom, kids are more likely
to collaborate with students they would
ordinarily not interact with. They are
inspired, self-motivated and less likely
to be intimidated by personal or envi-
ronmental limitations.”
The Future is Now
The right lighting, comfort ele-
ments, technology and customization
are essential but without agile features,
today’s classroom is incomplete. The
agile classroom offers immediate and
complete customization; they are com-
pletely adaptive and modular. Today’s
classroom cannot remain static. Our
youth have a tremendous amount of
energy that needs to be harnessed for
absorbing and retaining information.
An agile classroom combines physical
and cognitive elements of learning that
helps students acquire a true sense of
ownership. It breaks down barriers
in education and addresses a broader
array of learning needs and styles.
The multifunctional and adaptive
characteristics of the agile classroom
help our educational system evolve in
our fast-paced, ever-changing society to
engage more students. In all classrooms,
the role of the teacher cannot be under-
estimated. In agile environments, the
teacher acts as a facilitator, nurturing
a sense of proprietorship and deeper
interest in learning. They guide kids
through the decision-making process
and make deeper engagement possible.
Undeniably, these flexible edu-
cation spaces offer elements that
adapt to the needs of teachers and
students alike. Greater choice means
kids are more actively engaged in
the learning process, which inevita-
bly produces better outcomes in all
types of learners.
All educators we’ve conferred with
agree: stagnancy hinders engagement
and a lifelong passion for learning. To
spark ownership, agency and empower-
ment, learning environments must be
relevant today and remain that way well
into the future. This is what the agile
classroom delivers.
n
JOLENE LEVIN is a
director at NorvaNivel
USA, designers and
manufacturers of
educational furniture
and learning spaces,
which are made in the
U.S. For more informa-
tion, visit https://nor-
vanivel.com/.
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