Room Design for Student-Centered Learning
It's the start of a new semester for me, with new students and new classes. I took the opportunity that this fresh start offered and thoroughly cleaned and reorganized my room. My studio is a beautiful, window filled room in a three year old building, but it was two years of covid-induced educational chaos messy.
Atmosphere
My first consideration was the classroom atmosphere I wanted to create - welcoming and inclusive with lots of blank space for students to make their own.
It’s important to me that the room feels welcoming to all students, so I intentionally display student work i’ve collected through the years that shows different perspectives, identities and styles. This is fairly minimal, however, because at the start of a new semester I want the room to feel empty and ready for my new classes to make their own.
Collaboration
I arrange my space to support collaboration. Tables are arranged in eight seat groups around the room. Collaborative space is also incorporated in art display areas. I’m fortunate to have large bulletin boards that are dedicated to student-directed display. This couldn't be less formal. I literally tack up a sign that reads “put art here” and the rest unfolds as students start to add work they want to share.
I also like to add a large, blank paper for collaborative drawing.
As the semester progresses I typically see informal mini installations, like this one from the beginning of the year. Each object is precious and has a story - a sign of a safe and loved space for the students who made it.
Access
Access is important. Students needed to know where materials are and be able to easily find them. In my room this translates to labeled storage with informational signage. I really thought about how to make sure materials were easy to reach and see, then moved almost every around.
I just need to remember- it’s my job (and often my struggle) to make sure materials get put back where they go so everyone can access them.
I’m so excited to see what this room becomes over the weeks ahead, as it becomes what my new students make it.