ERIC Number: EJ1164650
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2158-6195
EISSN: N/A
The Influence of Hierarchy and Layout Geometry in the Design of Learning Spaces
Smith, Charlie
Journal of Learning Spaces, v6 n3 p59-67 2017
For a number of years, higher education has moved away from didactic teaching toward collaborative and self-directed learning. This paper discusses how the configuration and spatial geometry of learning spaces influences engagement and interaction, with a particular focus on hierarchies between people within the space. Layouts, presented as diagrams, are analysed in terms of teacher-to-student and student-to-student power dynamics and against an established set of Principles for Designing Teaching and Learning Spaces. The paper observes that some arrangements have underlying hierarchies which subtly reinforce traditional teacher-centred power dynamics and concludes that spatial geometry and hierarchy should be considered key parameters in learning space design.
Descriptors: Geometric Concepts, Space Utilization, Group Dynamics, Teacher Student Relationship, Peer Relationship, Design Requirements, Classroom Design, Space Classification, Cluster Grouping, Educational Environment
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A