Furniture that is mobile and versatile is a great way to create optimal spatial configurations and to maximize the room that is available. | Photo Credit (all): Courtesy of VS America
By Contributed by VS America
One of the most important strides to have been made in recent educational history is the acknowledgment of different learning styles. Of course, for diverse methods of learning, diverse methods of teaching are听required. Distinct physical zones in the classroom can help to create focus and direction for the completion of separate听tasks, and听can help to establish a clear set of customs for each unique zone. Here are just a few of the types of zones that might be considered for a contemporary classroom space:听
- Individual听workspace:–听Individual does not mean isolated, and this type of space works best when听it鈥檚听a clearly delineated space听that鈥檚听not necessarily entirely separate from collective space. Versatility is still key, and听it鈥檚听important to choose ergonomic school furniture, seating听and desk options that are not 鈥渙ne size fits all,鈥� but听adapt to students鈥櫶齞ifferent sizes, needs听and ways of working.What furnishings work best: For flexible furnishings, a forward-flexing cantilever chair, such as the听, allows the student to move freely while听remaining听physically well supported. Not only does this promote proper spinal support and comfortable seating, but it also allows for a greater degree of focus, alertness, and mental agility.听
- Group workspaces听– Some of the best learning is collaborative, and听it鈥檚听essential to create fun, flexible听and well-designed areas in which authentic group learning can take place.听Above all, this听means sufficient space in which students can feel free to move and explore, as well as dynamic furniture that opens rather than closes spatial configurations to the entire group.
What furnishings work best: For this type of zone, we recommend clustered, mobile听and adjustable desks that can be grouped, stacked听and moved to fit a variety of arrangements. For seating, the听听represents听an ideal choice,听insofar as听it is crafted to be comfortable, flexible听and allows for a 360-degree range of motion. For modular desks and other ergonomic school furniture, opt for variations that are height-adjustable and pieces that allow for sitting, standing听and students鈥� completely natural physical movements.听
- Presentation spaces听– Spaces in which students and teachers can share content in a presentation format are essential for contemporary learning spaces. For these types of spaces, especially in settings where limited square footage is a factor, furniture that is听听is听a great way听to create听optimal听spatial configurations and to maximize the room that is available. Coordinating a variety of furnishing elements with an overall minimalistic aesthetic can help to create space with versatility and ease.What furnishings work best: In presentation zones, auxiliary elements such as听, media players, and sound equipment should be effectively听utilized听to direct students鈥� focus and to present content in engaging new ways. The ideal classroom should also account for听听to accommodate these elements, without detracting from the usability of the space as a whole. To deter students from becoming bored or restless, ergonomic school furniture can promote positive attention and alertness, while playfully flexible seating options like听听allow the student to remain effortlessly engaged.听
- Quiet retreat spaces听– This type of space is a favorite among students of various ages, and includes comfortable, quiet areas for reading or learning individually while coexisting in the presence of others. The key to creating these types of areas is to balance comfort with creativity, so that these zones are at once relaxing and stimulating for students.听
What furnishings work best: Whereas desks with private dividers often denoted this type of area in the past, cozier furnishing elements听such as听听represent a more forward-thinking (and enjoyable) alternative for the contemporary classroom. In addition to soft seating elements, designated spaces for book and media storage can help to create an inviting yet studious atmosphere.听
About VS America 听
VS America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of educational furniture for K-12 schools, colleges听and libraries. Focused on best practices for educational facilities worldwide, VS develops adaptable, ergonomic听and sustainable furniture solutions which allow for the creation of agile learning environments. For more information, visit听.听