Flexible Learning Spaces

Over the course of the past year we have been engaged in conversations around Learning Environments with staff, students and parents. As part of that conversation one of our parents, Andrea Benton, shares her thoughts.

Towards the end of last term, I had the opportunity to visit two unique learning/working environments – Norma Rose Point School at UBC and Hootsuite in Vancouver. It’s fair to say that both of these places are leaders in their respective fields. Norma Rose Point is pushing the boundaries of how kids in British Columbia learn and Hootsuite continues to push boundaries in the realm of social media.

The reason I and several other educators/parents visited these places was to learn more about ‘Flexible Learning Spaces’. More specifically we wanted to know:

1. How do both kids and adults work within these types of spaces?

2. How does “furniture” fit into a ‘Flexible Learning Space’?

Through our collaborative learning and the value of choice that innovative learning spaces allows, the Caulfeild PAC has committed to raising funds towards ‘Flexible Learning Spaces’ to further the next evolution of the IDEC program.

With that in mind, here are my observations from visiting Norma Rose Point School and Hootsuite.

1. One size does not fit all. Spaces at both Norma Rose Point and Hootsuite have been created for individual needs. In the case of Norma Rose Point, it’s about putting the needs of the child first. If a child focuses better on a bean bag chair or lying on the ground, the child is allowed to choose what works for them. And yes, some kids wanted to stay at their desks.

This was the same at Hootsuite. Employees get to choose how they prefer to work. There were stand up desks, open concept desks, lounging areas and small places to work quietly. Again, it was all about the needs of the individual as opposed to the masses.

2. No dead space allowed. In both Norma Rose Point and Hootsuite, there was no dead space meaning every corner or alcove was used for some type of learning or working opportunity. Benches were placed down corridors or backs of couches were used as desks. By having ‘Flexible Learning Spaces’ those sparks of creativity, curiosity and innovation can happen anywhere.

3. Noise is a good thing. What struck me at both places was the amount of noise. It was positive, animated, engaged and controlled. As a parent, I’m always listening for silence because it usually means trouble but at Hootsuite and Norma Rose Point, the noise indicated learning, sharing ideas and listening to each other.

4. Everyone is an equal. At Hootsuite and at Norma Rose Point, it was hard to tell who was admin/management and who was a student/employee. What I appreciated about this philosophy was that it created an environment of openness and removed boundaries. ‘Flexible Learning Spaces’ played an important role in making this happen because it allows for more questions, deeper learning and more engaged individuals.

So while all of these observations are important, my biggest observation was the amount of community engagement. ‘Flexible Learning Spaces’ created more positive learning interactions, more collaboration, more creativity and a true sense of community. And from my perspective as a parent, that’s what I’m looking for in my children’s learning.