5 Reasons to Implement Active Learning Environments

Author: Dr. Christina Counts

There is a clear shift from traditional pedagogy to a focus on creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning. As the demands of college and careers have also changed, these skills have become critical for students to be successful in their future endeavors.

Active learning environments are better suited to support the development of these skill sets than traditional classrooms, with flexible furniture, opportunities for voice and choice, and the implementation of engaging education technology. Research also supports a transition to active learning environments, revealing students’ satisfaction with learning environments that utilize flexible furniture and suggesting that these environments improve community development among students and teachers. These learning environments can be a dynamic addition to your school, supporting student engagement and academic achievement.

Here are five reasons to implement active learning environments in your school:

Supports Changing Pedagogy and Technology

When designing a learning environment, it’s impossible to know what pedagogy trends and technology will be used in schools just five years from now. Implementing active learning environments that allow for easier transitions in curriculum and classroom tools support changing learning needs in the future.

Flexibility Allows for Reconfiguration

Flexible functionality of redesigned learning spaces allows for reconfiguration of the space throughout the day or over longer periods of time. This enables the learning environment to support varying learning objectives, collaborative needs, and assignment types.

Reflective of Colleges and Workspaces

Active learning environments allow brainstorming, collaboration, and a variety of meeting configurations that reflect modern campuses and workplaces. Learning to navigate and successfully utilize these types of learning environments helps to prepare students to enter similar higher ed and work environments in the future.

Students Have Voice and Choice

Active learning environments give students voice and choice to facilitate how they learn best and promote ownership of their learning. Personalization and having options can help drive student engagement and academic achievement while allowing students to work at their own pace.

Fosters Technical and Social Skill Development

Activities in active learning environments foster the development of the four C’s: critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication. Students also build critical social and emotional skills and technical abilities while learning in these environments.

To learn more about implementing active learning environments, read our Guide to Creating Dynamic Active Learning Spaces.

*includes insights on how to purchase active learning environments with COVID Federal Funding