Designing Learning Places

EDU T428M Subject & Catalog Number

Description

Learning unfolds within and across places, whether within school classrooms, across small outdoor tables, in virtual chat rooms, or on quiet library couches. Such places contain various locations, spaces and objects that mediates meaning-making, such as classrooms, furniture to focus and tools to assist thinking and expression. Other elements, such as surfaces, lighting, temperature, colors and acoustics can combine to create a sense of safety and calm. Or they can mix in jarring and disruptive ways that undercut learning. How can places be better designed with learning in mind? This course explores the intersection of contemporary theories of learning, pedagogy and spatial design. Students will explore research studies, cases, and Boston-area examples of places with architectural affordances for learning, such as co-constructing knowledge, encountering different perspectives, practicing skills, and getting feedback. While physical environments will be the primary focus, the course will allow opportunities for students to explore and apply lessons from and to digital and hybrid learning spaces. The course aims to provide students with frameworks for conceptualizing, processes for designing, and tools to facilitate and assess effective learning environments.