Start the school year off right with a classroom designed for all learning styles.

Creating learning environments that cater to diverse student needs is crucial for fostering an inclusive and effective educational experience. The “Room to Learn” research by Steelcase emphasizes the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL); which is a framework that aims to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.

UDL emphasizes the need to provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression to cater to diverse learners. Continue reading to learn how you can incorporate these principals and create learning spaces that not only accommodate diverse needs but also enhance the overall learning experience.

Engagement:

Learning spaces should offer various ways to engage students, from collaborative areas to quiet zones for individual work. This ensures that all students can find an environment that suits their learning preferences. Additionally, flexibility in learning environments is very important, spaces should be easily reconfigurable to support different teaching methods and learning activities.

Modular Furniture: Using furniture that can be easily moved and rearranged allows for quick transitions between different types of learning activities, such as group work, lectures, and individual study.

Node Chairs

The Steelcase Node Chairs are highly mobile and supports all the ways students learn. It’s designed for quick, easy transitions in the classroom. They facilitate active learning, as students can easily maneuver between solo, group and class work needs.

Verb Collection

The Steelcase Verb classroom tables and whiteboards are specifically designed to support different learning modes in a variety of learning environments. Also, the rolling feature from the table casters encourage easy shifts from setting changes.

Representation:

Designing for inclusivity means considering the needs of all students, including those with disabilities. Classrooms should be equipped with different tools and resources to present information in various formats, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. This helps in addressing the diverse sensory needs of students.

Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Create areas that minimize sensory overload for students with sensory processing issues, such as quiet zones with soft lighting and sound-absorbing materials.

Brody WorkLounge

The Brody Lounge is specifically designed to be good for your body and brain. It creates a shelter from visual distractions, providing privacy and an enhanced sense of psychological security.

Accessible Furniture: Ensuring that desks, chairs, and other furniture are adjustable and accessible to students with physical disabilities.

Agree Table Collection

Agree by Smith System is a curated collection of tables intentionally designed to support various learning modes. The tables have intentional shapes​; keystone and chevron tables create a soft arc for clear sightlines in lecture mode, while trapezoid tables can be reconfigured for versatile layouts that support active learning.

In addition, the large personal Agree table is ADA-compliant, an accessible option for all learners.

Expression:

Providing students with different ways to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, such as through written work, presentations, or hands-on projects, allows for a more inclusive assessment of their abilities.

Technology Integration: Incorporating technology into the classroom, such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and video conferencing tools, supports a variety of learning modalities and helps bridge the gap between in-person and remote learners.

Verb Active Media Table

The Verb Active Media Table is crafted to enhance various learning styles in large, dynamic classrooms. With an adjustable monitor, it allows for smooth transitions as students switch between discussion, presentation, and group activities in modern educational environments.

Logitech and Steelcase Partnership

Steelcase collaborates with Logitech to effortlessly incorporate advanced cameras, audio systems, and room control solutions into a variety of open and enclosed collaboration spaces.

The Logitech Rally Bar Mini allows for students and teachers to connect and share content easily with remote workers.

Contact us today for planning ideas on how to incorporate these tips into your learning space!

References: https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/topics/learning/room-to-learn/