This article is part of the series Beyond Hybrid:
99 Things You Need to Know Now Active
Learning.
Active
Minds. Insights and ideas 81-91 for a new era of work Active learning spaces are designed to support fluid
transitions among multiple teaching and learning
modes (including lecture, discussion, group work)
and give students and instructors visual and physical
access to each other. Highly flexible furnishings
allow students and instructors to easily reconfigure
the space to best support their activities. Today,
this is especially important given the setbacks so
many students experienced during the pandemic.
This broadened, whole-learner approach goes
beyond academics and recognizes the importance
of motivation, engagement and student wellbeing.

Whether students are in the classroom or learning
remotely, person-to-person connections and the
ability to easily interact with teachers and peers are
essential. A more effective use of technology also
presents tremendous opportunities to enhance
student engagement and learning outcomes. Regardless of the grade level, subject matter or class size, today’s best learning spaces are designed for participative, active and engaging learning experiences that help students function at their best — cognitively, physically and emotionally. In active learning spaces, students are more likely to: Accept new
challenges and
work beyond their
comfort zone Feel a sense
of community
and belonging Active learning increases engagement and improves student outcomes Report an
increased willingness
to participate
actively in class 100 75
50
25 0 52% 43% 40% 35% 34% 33% increase increase increase increase increase increase connect
with others feel
motivation
to learn be more
creative facilitate
problem
solving collaborate
with
classmates communicate
work/ideas Active learning spaces improve movement,
communication, creativity, critical thinking
and collaboration.

Over the past few years, Steelcase has
partnered with more than 80 diverse institutions
serving thousands of students at all levels across
North America to understand how teaching and
learning is evolving — and how smarter, more
active environments can help.

Students report notable gains in movement in
the classroom, communication with peers and
teachers, creative activities, critical thinking and
collaborative learning. 79% of students reported
that the experience in the environment designed
for active learning was somewhat or much better
than in a traditional classroom.

Instructors reported that the new space supports
the type of teaching and learning that they want
in their classroom and noticed improved student
behaviors and mindsets. Instructors also favored
the time they spent teaching in an active learning
classroom when comparing the experience to
that in a traditional classroom. Active Learning Classroom Improves Student Engagement  Traditional Classroom  Active Learning Classroom Students agreed or strongly agreed these classrooms helped them: *Source: https://www.steelcase.com/resources/documents/steelcase-education-learning-environment-evaluation-outcomes-report/ 79% of students prefer active learning spaces over traditional classrooms* Hybrid learning
is here to stay. Active learning and hybrid learning are both shifts in how our educators and learners use their spaces. Partnering with technology leaders, Steelcase is experimenting with new hybrid classroom experiences with integrated technology at its Learning and Innovation Center, to identify ways to improve hybrid learning spaces. Design for the camera’s viewing range
(90, 120 degrees).
Make sure people and content can be seen
by remote participants. A robust video
collaboration system, such as the Logitech
Rally Bar Mini, allows teachers to move
freely around the room showcasing multiple
types of content and material to students. Arrange remote and local participants,
and digital and analog content to ensure
equal participation.
Activate vertical wall space with writable or
tackable tools making everything in the room
a learning tool. Some software platforms and
integrated technology systems support the
use of multiple monitors that allow people
and content to be displayed separately,
which creates a more equitable experience
for remote participants. Make technology and furniture moveable.
Enable both remote and co-located participants
to move around the room so remote students
aren’t always “on stage” next to the lesson.
Mobile furniture and mobile virtual displays
support a more flexible environment. If the
classroom is engaged in a group discussion,
pull the virtual display up to the table instead
of situating it at the front of the room. Make sure
both remote and co-located participants have
clean sight lines to people and content. Flexible
furnishings and/or the use of mobile devices can
let you move co-located or remote participants
to give them the best view. Use shared content creation tools.
Provide equal access to digital
and analog information and enable
multiple modes of collaboration. Esports gives education leaders new, compelling ways to engage students. The phenomenon has skyrocketed during the past decade and shows no signs of letting up. More Than a Game: Designing for Esports Engages students
who might not
otherwise participate
in extracurricular
activities. Creates strong
interpersonal
connections that can
make or break a
students’ experience
at school. This Esports Gaming Center brings teams together for competition, training, coaching, learning and social activities. The Battle Zone supports teams of five with ergonomic seating, a large worksurface, user-adjustable monitor arm, personal hooks for headsets, mobile caddies and desktop power. A large lounge setting in the adjacent Observation Zone allows guests to watch games on the monitors and through the glass. ​ Benefits of Esports Offers a sense
of community,
camaraderie and
belonging. There are
3 billion gamers
worldwide. 97% of children
play video games at
least one hour per day in
the United States It’s more than a game. Embracing esports and sponsoring teams can attract competitive gamers looking for the opportunity to further flex and hone their skills while in school. Learn more about four design considerations for esports: steelcase.com/esports How popular is esports? 175+ universities
in America offer
esports scholarships. 88 Esports engages students who might not otherwise participate in extracurricular activities. 85 Design hybrid learning spaces for the camera's viewing range (90, 120 degrees). 84 Arrange remote and local participants, and digital and analog content to ensure equal participation. 83 Make technology and furniture moveable to improve hybrid learning. 86 Use shared content sharing tools to engage people in the room and those joining remotely 89 Esports creates strong interpersonal connections that can make or break a students’ experience at school. 82 79% of students prefer active learning spaces over traditional classrooms. 81 Active learning increases engagement and improves student outcomes. 90 Esports offers a sense of community, camaraderie and belonging. 87 Esports gives education leaders new, compelling ways to engage students. 91 Esports popularity is soaring with more than 3 billion gamers worldwide. The Takeaway Active Learning. Active Minds.: 13 insights and ideas Previous Article Next Article Can’t wait?
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