This episode is part one of a two-part series recorded at the Transitions Europe conference in September 2017 and reflects upon improving learning environments for education, as we discuss the change and progression within creating the perfect educational environment with Wesley Imms, Associate Professor and Head of visual art and design education, at the University of Melbourne.
After years of researching the perfect environment for learning, Wesley Imms believes that the learning techniques in primary education years are heading in the right direction in comparison to secondary education. This is due to teachers creating exciting ways of learning for the younger generation in order to keep them engaged with their topics. Primary teachers tend to focus on collaborative work and using both the inside and outside to teach as well as moving the furniture around depending on the topic; but does this stop when students reach secondary education?
He believes to create an environment which improves education you must design the area with moveable walls, smart furniture, smart storage and a balance of indoor and outdoor areas… however a teacher must know how to use the environment to their advantage to improve the learning for the next generation. Wesley discusses his plans to move forward and his current success with encouraging schools to see the importance in learning spaces.
We are later joined by Marian Mahat, ILETC Research Manager. The ILETC project investigates how teachers can use the untapped potential of Innovative Learning Environments (ILEs) to improve learning outcomes for students. The goal for this project is to identify whether there is a link between quality teaching and effective use of ILEs; and develop practical tools to assist teachers to adapt their teaching practices to maximise deeper learning. Learn more about ILETC here. She believes creating the right space to collaborate and communicate produces a positive atmosphere for a student which provides benefits within their results. Marian Mahat discusses the recent surveys within schools in Australia and New Zealand and the research they discovered.
Listen in and tweet us your thoughts on educational environments.