Learning Environments

Learning is enhanced by the space where it happens. Discover how to make a difference by optimizing seating arrangements, classroom decor, and even building design.

Mental Health
Creating a Positive Learning Environment
When students’ mental, emotional, and physical needs are met, they’re more likely to love school—and they learn more.
Learning Environments
Learning to Be Flexible
For middle and high school teachers who avoid lecturing, the switch to flexible seating means the room aligns with their teaching style.
Learning Environments
Can Flexible Classrooms Boost Student Achievement?
The research suggests that flexibility and a sense of ownership make a real difference for students—but it's not the furniture at work.
Learning Environments
The Sensory Room: Helping Students With Autism Focus and Learn
Imagine a safe space where students with autism can go to calm their bodies and then get back to the business of learning.
The Research Is In
Dos and Don’ts of Classroom Decorations
What you put on your classroom walls can affect your students’ ability to learn.
The Research Is In
Flexible Classrooms: Research Is Scarce, But Promising
An ambitious study of 153 classrooms in the United Kingdom provides the best evidence that flexible spaces can boost academic performance.
Teachers Weigh In
7 Outstanding K–8 Flexible Classrooms
K–8 educators from across the country give you a peek at their classrooms—and explain how they managed the transformations.
Learning Environments
Flexible Seating and Student-Centered Classroom Redesign
I'm a firm believer in keeping the focus on what's really important: the students. If student motivation and higher engagement is truly the desired end game, then we as teachers must adapt right along with our students in our classrooms.
Collaborative Learning
Designing a Public School From Scratch
On a mission to reimagine traditional schooling, a K–8 school in San Diego puts teachers and students at the center.
Learning Environments
Reflections on Shifting to a Flexible Classroom
A middle school teacher shares the benefits of giving students voice and choice in their learning environment.
Learning Environments
7 Teacher-Tested Hacks For Elementary Classrooms
Teachers post great ideas on Instagram for everything from keeping your room clean to getting kids moving. We’ve collected a few, plus hashtags you should follow.
Professional Development
Teachers Learning From Each Other
Educators can provide valuable professional development by opening up their classrooms to their peers.
Learning Environments
Building a 21st-Century Learning Space
A community raised $6 million to construct an innovative 30,000-square-foot facility complete with makerspaces and learning labs.
Learning Environments
8 Tips and Tricks to Redesign Your Classroom
A classroom designer walks you through the process of redesigning your room, with videos to inspire you.
Teachers Weigh In
High School Flexible Seating Done Right
Interested in switching to flexible seating? Get funding ideas, helpful tips, and how-to photos from the pros—your fellow high school teachers.