Active Learning Spaces

Active learning spaces support collaboration and interaction. Sponsored by Steelcase— a global company that manufactures furniture products—this toolkit will show how to create the most effective adaptable learning environments to meet the evolving needs of students and educators.

Active Learning Spaces: insights, applications & solutions

Many educators are embracing a more active and immersive style of instruction to engage students

Built Environments Impact Behaviors

Learn of the research methods embedded in the design of active learning solutions  

Campus-wide Blended Learning

A dynamic and active approach to education, blended learning also inspires a holistic approach to campus planning.

Designing for Blended Learning

Six key insights to help educators respond to the technology revolution underway in learning

Exploring Inner Space

A look at the evolution of the modern classroom and the digital lives of students

Formal Learning Spaces: Classroom

Different subjects and teaching methods require different classroom features

Formal Learning Spaces: Media Lab

Added work surfaces create more collaborative and effective spaces for students  

Get Active: Reimagining Learning Spaces for Student Success

The comprehensive research, insights and exercises contained within this guidebook provide that crucial first step to supporting today’s learners with active learning concepts.

Informal Learning Spaces: Café

The design of these café services areas support collaborative group work, social interactions and solo studying

Informal Learning Spaces: in-between

Leveraging real estate in common areas give users the means for control, comfort and collaboration

Informal Learning Spaces: Library

See the results of a major study of 13 public and private college and university libraries  

Large Active Learning Classrooms

Large active learning classrooms are one solution to increase effective learning, but there are many other models to consider

Office Spaces: Admin Offices

Reconfigurable spaces suitable for interaction and information-sharing promote collaboration

Office Spaces: Faculty Office

See how schools can create more versatile, effective and comfortable faculty offices  

Presentation: Harder Working Schools

An overview of Steelcase research to help you make a case for active learning solutions in your school or district

Technology-Empowered Learning: Six Spatial Insights

Explore the thinking behind learning environments that help schools capture the promise of evolving educational models

The Science of Classroom Design

An infographic created by USC Rossier Online to showcase the power of brain-friendly learning environments

What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning pedagogically integrates teacher instruction with web-based, mobile and/or classroom technologies

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Floor Plan: 6-12 Classrooms

An overview with floor plans for active learning 6-12 classroom layouts

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Floor Plan: Classrooms and Blended Learning

These layouts showcase how blended learning classrooms are designed with multiple learning situations in mind

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Floor Plan: In-Between Spaces

An overview with floor plans for active learning in-between spaces layouts

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Floor Plan: In-Between Spaces and Blended Learning

More than just transition spaces, lounges, hallways and other ancillary areas can be informal learning spaces for individuals and groups

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Floor Plan: K-12 Thoughtstarters

A collection of floor plans showcasing a variety of K-12 solutions layouts;  giving students choice, control and ample space to spread out and collaborate, co-create and discuss

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Floor Plan: K-12 Thoughtstarters

A collection of floor plans showcasing a variety of K-12 solutions layouts;  giving students choice, control and ample space to spread out and collaborate, co-create and discuss

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Floor Plan: K-5 Classrooms

An overview with floor plans for active learning K-5 classroom layouts

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Floor Plan: Large Active Learning Classrooms and Blended Learning

Today's large classrooms are being reimagined to support technology, multiple modes of learning and healthy movement

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Floor Plan: Learning Commons

The Learning Commons is today’s updated version of the library, designed to be a vital learning hub with a range of settings

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Floor Plan: Library

An overview with floor plans for active learning Library and Learning Commons layouts

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Floor Plan: Makerspace

An overview with floor plans for active learning Makerspace layouts

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Floor Plan: Makerspaces and Blended Learning

Makerspaces are trending rapidly as part of expanding strategies for student success

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Floor Plan: Node Classroom

An overview with floor plans for Node Classroom solutions layouts, which give teachers and students multiple flexible grouping options

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Floor Plan: Outdoor Learning

Though often overlooked, the outdoors can be an effective environment for learning, putting the mind and body in an alert and receptive mode

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Floor Plan: Student Commons

An overview with floor plans for active learning Student Commons layouts

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Floor Plan: Student Commons and Blended Learning

A Student Commons helps students develop personally and stay engaged in the experience of learning

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Floor Plan: Verb Classroom

An overview with floor plans for Verb Classroom configurations, which allow clear sight-lines to maximize learning and collaboration

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Floor Plan: VR Educational Experiences

Get a 360-degree view of various active learning floor plans

Steelcase Active Learning Center Grant
The Steelcase Active Learning Center Grant

Steelcase Education is partnering with educators to rethink classrooms, libraries and in-between spaces to incorporate flexible furniture to support active learning.

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An Active Learning Classroom
Classroom Redesign Improves Reading

In 2015, Saluda Trail Middle School in Rock Hill, South Carolina was one of 12 recipients of the Steelcase Education Active Learning Center Grant: bringing flexible mobile furniture, new technology and interactive learning tools.

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An Active Learning Classroom
Active Eighth Graders: Hall Middle School's Eighth Grade Embraces Active Learning

After renovating their learning spaces, Hall Middle School saw distraction go way down, and engagement go way up.

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