C88 (Application): Shaping Learning through the Environment

Welcome to another application series, where we are going to take ideas we have explored before and apply them into a new context.  I absolutely love this part, because it helps to look at old things again…the process of anew (4A’s by Misty Paterson).

Since our last application series, you’ve had a chance to participate in the Transdisciplinary and Design Thinking challenges.  They helped you to take content and apply it to your individual context.  Now, we are going to do a minor version for learning environment, play, and the approaches to learning (ATLs).  

Over the past couple of months, I have become obsessed with the Danish way of life called Hygge.  I know it’s been coined as the next design trend or lots of candles with fluffy blankets.  It’s more than that.  It’s about looking for little things that bring you happiness, contentment, and joy, such as candles, good lighting, comfortable textiles, and cozy aesthetics.  Even still, it’s a way of being.  In Denmark, most of their year is cold and dark.  To offset this dreariness, they create work, home, and place spaces that celebrate those simple pleasures.  Besides candles, the Danes are known to eat a lot of cake.  My kind of people. 

When I think of Hygge, I consider my own home and yours.  Here are some questions to consider about your own living space. 
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• What is your favorite spot in your home?  
• What about the spot peaks to you and evoke happiness? 
• How has the space been designed to meet your needs?
• How are the materials arranged and stored for maximum use? 
• How does the spot attract your sight, smell, and feelings?
• What corner or area do you always go to more than any other? 

If the feeling of coziness and warmth are important at home, why don’t we focus on it more when designing learning spaces?  Most of the time, we’re married to overhead fluorescent lights and flat pack furniture.  How can we bring a little Hygge into our school spaces? 

​Application Challenge

​Go around your school and find a learning space that is underused or not reflective agentic thinking.  Consider how you will bring it to life.  We will use a reflective tool to help us make lasting, sustainable change. 

​Theoretical

When we are thinking theoretically, we consider the big abstract ideas or philosophy that we are learning about.  We are trying to identify and connect the big aha moments that have arisen. 

For the theoretical reflection, consider asking yourself these questions: 
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• What is your favorite spot in this space?  
• What about the spot peaks to you and evoke happiness? 
• How can the space be designed to meet your needs?
• How can the materials be arranged and stored for maximum use? 
• How might the spot attract your sight, smell, and feelings?
• What corner or area do you think you will like most? 

Operational 

When we think operationally, we determine the resources that we need and how they are being used.  We advocate for support through human resources, professional development, and collaboration.  We consider the potential obstacle that may block our way. 

For the operational reflection, consider asking yourself these questions: 

• What resources do you need: read aloud books, manipulatives, loose parts, art supplies, etc.?
• Who in your school has a model classroom that you can use as inspiration? 
• Do you need help from others to share design ideas? 
• What type of professional development may be needed?  Will it come from formal training, school visits, etc.? 
• How can you use the knowledge of your staff to solve most of your design needs? 
• What are some potential obstacles to making the space the way you envision it? 

​Practical

When we think practically, we focus on how we are going to make our process work on a daily basis.  We think literally.  We think concretely.  We want to know how it will happen. We demonstrate our inquiry thinking strategies to make relevant connections to our learners. 

For the practical reflection, consider asking yourself these questions: 
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• What is the purpose of the room? 
• Why are you redesigning it? 
• How can you use it to increase learning agency?
• When during the day will you use it? 
• How can others use it independently?
• How can other people in the learning community use it as well? 

This should get your mind racing with new ideas!  Let’s have some fun with this application challenge. Be sure to post your new thinking on social media with #thinkchat2020.  I can’t wait to see your ideas!