Redesigning the Learning Space

In January I visited an innovative Icelandic school as part of an EdTechTeam Adventure. When we entered the school we saw "cubbies" filled with shoes. We learned that the students and teachers take their shoes during school. Our group decided we would do the same. We were surprised at how our perspective changed with such a simple act. One of the members of the group commented on how relaxed they felt almost immediately.

The experience I had in Jan made #59 in the 3rd Teacher+ flashcards and book stand out to me. I have seen teachers yelling at students for slipping their shoes off during class and yet there are schools and experts suggesting that it can actually be "mental preparation for learning" as noted on #59 of the flashcards. Redesigning the learning space can start with simple ideas that will impact a student's learning experience.