By Vega Schools‘
The Indian education sector is undergoing a paradigm shift in today?s time. Thanks to the New Education Policy (NEP 2020) there are reforms in teaching methods, in curriculum as well as in how learning spaces are designed. The aim is to prepare Indian students across all curriculum areas and learning stages so they can succeed in a rapidly changing and interconnected world.
One such shift is from the traditional classroom to open classrooms. Spatial and neuroscientific research has shown that open classrooms naturally increase attention, focus, and curiosity in the brain, which is why the best companies in the world have made the shift towards open and collaborative workspaces. The research suggests that how classroom space is arranged, has implications for student performance.
Traditional classrooms are characterized by rows of desks and chairs, facing a teacher (or two) in the front, and the approach is predominantly teacher-led. These traditional classrooms which have four walls and typically house 30-50 students are now considered inadequate to deliver 21st-century competencies for learners
The flexible learning spaces are open and contain a variety of furniture options in an open space, which can be configured in various ways to facilitate different teaching approaches. They are based on predominantly student-centered design.
Open classrooms are capable of being configured to small groups of students work with teachers, as well as larger groups of students work with a team of teachers who teach collaboratively. Open classrooms can be partitioned on demand and completely reconfigured based on the need of the day.
Open learning classes develop and enhance 21st-century skills and values in their learners. The effective design of learning spaces has been found to facilitate student engagement
Vega Schools‘, one of the top schools in Gurgaon, has replaced traditional classrooms with open classrooms, individual quiet zones, and large spaces for immersive learning, and small hubs for individual assistance. Vega Schools’ believe that to maximize learning, classrooms should be open, comfortable, well lit, and visually stimulating. The learning space is based on design principles established by FNI, USA whose work has been published by The Harvard University Press. Thanks to open classrooms various forms of learning can take place (something that is very difficult to achieve in standard classrooms found in most schools).