Blogs — Classroom Design

Project News: Emmanuel Catholic College

Office Line recently provided interior design services and supplied bespoke furniture solutions for Emmanuel Catholic College's new learning areas.

Spark Imagination and Creativity with Inspiring Learning Spaces

There is a greater need for schools to create an environment that inspires imagination and more specifically, learning. One way to create these learning spaces is to leverage technology in a classroom setting. Open interaction in the learning process quickens the pace of learning and encourages effective communication among students and teachers.

Why convert your classroom?

Here are some reasons why classrooms need to shift towards inspired learning:

• Motivate learners and staff. A well-designed learning space will have a motivational effect on students and teachers. Design experts agree that the mood of a space makes an impact on teaching and learning. Learning areas that maximise natural light and use less formal furniture, for example, foster an environment that is easy to work in.
• Promote collaboration. Today’s schools are not just venues for acquiring academic knowledge. Students are equipped with skills teaching them to be capable and confident citizens. One such skill is collaboration. As students are given opportunities to work in groups, they discover the values of teamwork and interpersonal relationships. This helps them easily adapt to team-orientated workspaces in the future.
• Encourage flexibility. With rapid advances in technology, flexibility has become an integral part of designing learning spaces. After all, the workspaces of today promote an open, flexible and team-oriented approach. A large component of an educator’s role  is to prepare students for the workplace, therefore classrooms should reflect this look and feel from as early as pre-primary and beyond.
• Introduce new teaching methods. Digital technology is integrated into the lives of today’s students. When used well, digital resources support, enhance and amplify the learning experience. Learning becomes an interactive experience for the students, giving them more creativity and control of when, how and the pace in which they learn.

Making space for technology

A number of schools who have adopted technology into their curriculum have reported positive results in their students’ learning experience. In a study conducted by an architectural design firm in Scotland, teaching staff observed the following results:

• A higher degree of student engagement
• Increased peer-to-peer learning
• More collaboration between students and teachers

Digital technology, however, does not and should not replace face-to-face interaction. Rather, it is a tool to facilitate the learning process.

Some tools that schools can utilize include:

• Tablet PCs and laptops
• Interactive whiteboards
• Assistive technology (for students with cognitive disabilities)
• Video recording facilities

Using technology as a learning and teaching tool will enable classrooms to evolve towards interactivity and flexibility. This will skew towards changing how classrooms are designed, and move towards a workplace-like model. If this is how educators are preparing students for tomorrow, today’s learners will be better equipped and spark change for the generations to come after them.

Furniture that elevates the classroom experience

As educational methods continue to evolve over the years, there is a need for learning environments to break away from traditional classroom interiors. While there is no single blueprint for a creative classroom design, there is an emphasis to incorporate innovative furniture solutions that increase collaboration, engage students and facilitate improved teaching methods.

• Flexible seating

Flexible seating options such as floor chairs and mobile chairs and stools, enable students to choose where they work and with whom, allowing them to change their positions and location as needed. They also allow the students to move around, increasing blood flow and oxygen levels, which all helps to keep young minds more alert and focused.

In addition, an uncomfortable student is a distracted student. Flexible seating encourages students to find the best position to stay focused, calm and productive.

• Collaborative tables

Collaborative tables are designed to fit together in multiple arrangements; individual, pairs and larger groups. Having the option to create collaborative spaces provides students with the option of a group workspace for assignments and projects. This solution is not only great for students, but also convenient for teachers. The designs help to organise and supervise students as well as accommodate various learning and teaching styles.

• Ottoman sets

Ottomans are great classroom seating options because they give students more freedom to move around. They can turn to face their teachers or their classmates as the task demands. Due to their small form, the ottomans are also easy to physically move around to suit individual and group projects.

Additionally, ottomans can be paired with a comfortable sofa lounge to make for cosy reading environments or social spaces for breaks.

• Whiteboards and pin boards

Whiteboards are beneficial for visual learners, giving them the opportunity to absorb information in multiple formats. The whiteboards will help increase retention and synthesis of information. Aside from classroom discussions, they are also great for interactive exercises and brainstorming sessions.

Pin boards serve to inspire and motivate. For example, they can be used to showcase students' works and photos. This will encourage young learners and help them feel that their talents are appreciated and valued.

Office Line inspires learning and imagination

We are an established Australian-based company supplying quality furniture and fittings to educational institutions. We can provide everything your campus needs, from classroom storage to a complete classroom fit out.

We pride ourselves in offering personalised and professional service to our clients around Australia.

Contact us on 1800 333 116 for enquiries.

Flexible Learning Spaces: Spaces Designed to Enhance Imagination and Learning

Newly developed schools across the globe have adopted the layout of flexible learning spaces with a design focusing primarily on future-focused learning and teaching. The concept of flexible learning places goes beyond classrooms and applies to the library, the hallways and even the cafeteria. In flexible learning spaces, the environment in which you learn matters.

What Constitutes a Flexible Learning Space?

In an interview with New Zealand's Ministry of Education and Director of the Sydney Centre for Innovation and Learning, Mr Stephen Collis, it was identified there are three specific layers of a learning environment.

The physical layer consists of the confines, the furniture and other physical elements of the learning space. The virtual space consists of any form of media and information that flows through the learning space. Lastly, the cultural space involves the students, teachers, parents and everyone that shapes the behaviours and routines in the learning environment.

According to Collis, these three elements of a learning space can be used to create a more flexible learning environment. Educators can study each layer and see if there is anything that constrains the learning experience of students. What changes can be made to maximise the potential of the learning space?

Collis believes that flexible learning spaces that favour the needs of students must allow them to take breaks and re-focus, learn at their own pace or any permissible action that will give them more of what they need to learn. Having that kind of freedom and flexibility makes flexible learning spaces a space for everybody.

Furniture in Flexible Learning Spaces

In exploring the physical aspect of flexible learning spaces, comfortable furniture is a key consideration for both the students and teachers. Ergonomics, specifically, is an important factor in helping students focus for longer periods of time.

Flexible learning spaces must have furniture that can accommodate both group and individual learning requirements. At the same time, the furniture must be robust and durable enough to withstand everyday use, especially in a flexible learning space where chairs and tables are likely to be moved around. Adjustable furniture is also preferable to increase comfort, accessibility and inclusivity of the flexible learning space.

Ergonomic and Flexible Furniture from Office Line

For educational institutions that are looking to adopt the concept of flexible learning spaces, Office Line is a reliable source of furniture ideal for the classrooms of the future. As one of Australia's most trusted companies in educational furniture, we hand pick each product that goes into our catalogue in order to give you an excellent range of furniture sourced from only well-known and trusted brands in the industry.

From ergonomic school chairs to sleek and modern classroom whiteboards, each product is designed with the needs of the students in mind. Office Line is your one-stop shop for everything you need to build an accessible, inclusive and flexible learning space for the classroom of tomorrow. We offer reliable delivery and on-site installation services by request.

Get in touch with us today by calling us on 1800 333 116 or sending us an e-mail at info@officeline.com.au.

How to Improve Student Learning with Active Classroom Design

Every educational institution wants to improve educational outcomes in and out of the classroom. The way to achieve this remains an object of continuing debate and research. According to academic studies, a student’s academic success is influenced by many factors, including socioeconomic background, personal motivation and influence of different teaching styles. Together, these factors impact a student’s ability to achieve academic success.

There is, however, another factor that schools need to look at — classroom design. After all, students spend most of their time inside the classroom. And it’s no longer a question of if the class environment affects learning but how and how much it affects the learning outcomes of students.

The traditional layout — a teacher’s desk in front of rows of student chairs and desks made from natural wood — is a teacher-centred classroom furniture arrangement. Students take a more passive role, sitting still during lessons. The environment doesn’t allow them to be very collaborative or interactive with each other.

Also, the traditional classroom layout doesn’t consider the fact that students learn in different ways. For instance, some students with ADD and ADHD participate better if they are given choices with how they want to complete a class activity. Group strategies and paired learning are often more effective for them. But the traditional classroom environment makes it difficult for teachers to switch things up when they feel they need to.

So today, we’ll discuss the environmental features that can improve learning and engagement in the classroom. Let’s tackle the ideal classroom design and environment for today’s generation of students:



Classroom Design

Again, one of the factors that is underemphasised or often overlooked is the impact of classroom design. Studies have shown that factors in a classroom setting can affect attention, retention, motivation and academic achievement. Active engagement in the classroom is recognised as a probable predictor of a student’s academic achievement. Based on studies by universities, classrooms that are strategically designed to support active learning increased student engagement compared to classrooms with traditional layouts. So, what can you do to make your classroom design more conducive to active learning? Here are a few simple ways to achieve a more collaborative, active classroom:

• Stay flexible. Make sure that teachers can easily re-arrange the classroom layout to support the students’ learning goal for the day. Replace wooden desks and chairs with modern and moveable classroom furniture, such as stackable chairs and sit-stand desks. Anything that gets students out of their seats and lets them move around with their classmates promotes an active classroom.

• Increase interactivity. With the traditional classroom set-up, only a few students at the front actively participate in the lessons. Many students are passive listeners or completely disengaged. Get rid of the rows and choose roundtable or horseshoe or semi-circle set-up, instead. Make the layout easier for students to chip in and be more interactive with the teacher and with each other.

• Give students a choice. Create zones where students can choose to stay alone or with a partner or groupmates and complete an activity. Some students thrive when they’re left alone, while others perform better when they’re working with others — the important thing is, you give them a choice.

Classroom Environment

Classroom design is critical for effective learning. To develop a successful classroom design, you must find the balance between learning styles and teaching methods. For example, if the teaching method employs collaborative thinking, students must be placed in group assignments that encourage teamwork and cooperation.

Classrooms should be designed such that they provide the spaces needed for students to separate into groups and communicate with one another. A classroom design conducive for collaboration not only stimulates students to engage, but also participate.

And again, choice plays a key role in creating a successful classroom environment. Besides giving them a choice on how they want to learn and participate in class, let them decide on their learning environment, as well. Ask them about which classroom layout, paint colour and decors best suit their class. Consider a school project on classroom design at the start of the school year and see how your students respond.

Classroom Acoustics

A classroom’s sound levels, temperature and lighting are also critical to a classroom’s overall design. To find a suitable sound level in your classroom, background noise must be minimised. You can also adjust sound levels by adding notice boards, baffle boards or soft furniture.

Temperature Levels

Temperature affects a student’s level of focus and concentration. An ideal classroom temperature and a sufficient supply of fresh air help keeps students alert, whereas poor temperature levels may lead to irritation, drowsiness and loss of concentration. To achieve optimal attentiveness, students must be comfortable with the room temperature at all times. In rooms without local control of the thermostat, space heaters, air-conditioning units or fans can help regulate the temperature.

If there’s an air quality issue in the classroom, consider decorating the space with plants. Indoor plants improve air quality and brighten up the room.

Classroom Lighting

There is no alternative to natural light when it comes to ideal lighting. However, if sunlight is limited, make sure that there’s sufficient artificial light. Proper lighting allows for better concentration and prevents eye strain. When choosing suitable lighting, consider the changes and variations needed to create different learning experiences. For instance, in a science classroom, incandescent or adjustable lighting for a dim environment may be required for some experiments. Also, students with sensory issues may find the buzzing or flickering of fluorescent lights distracting. You can use lamps with natural light bulbs, instead. 

Classroom Furniture

Consider finding furniture that will not only provide comfort, but also provide an enhanced learning experience. Collaborative furniture that can easily be re-arranged and connected with each other motivates engagement, communication and collaboration. And flexible seating options, such as bean bag chairs, standing desks, individual workstations and sofas and couches, can give students a feeling of ownership.

Officeline provides modern and functional classroom chairs in Australia. We offer the Eduflex™ Collaborative Trapeziodal Table designed to facilitate and support group collaboration. We also carry the Eduflex™ Quadrum Pod that is designed for educational areas where students can interact and relax.

Our chairs are available as one-piece units or with a range of base options that are built to provide maximum comfort and enhance the overall learning experience. For more information on our supplies of classroom furniture, call 1800 333 116.