Where Learning Happens

Recently, I listened to the Getting Smart podcast with Mason Pashia and Kevin Stoller about learning spaces. For years I’ve asked educators to think about and share their best learning experiences. Many of the shared experiences happened outside a classroom, and even outside a school. When Mason mentioned that learning doesn’t happen in rows, I smiled.

Think about your most powerful learning experience. What made it meaningful, and did where it happened play a role? If the where of this learning is one of the elements that made it a memorable and powerful experience for you, why was that? Did you, as the learner, have a voice or choice in where the learning happened?

We know from research that voice and choice are powerful drivers of engagement, leading to increased learner empowerment. When we intentionally design spaces that support how learners engage best, we are putting their needs first—considering how a space looks, feels and functions. Creating invitational learning environments is a strong place to begin.

So what makes a space inviting for curiosity, exploration, collaboration, or quiet reflection? Research from the UK (2015) identified three key aspects of classroom environments that significantly impact learning:

• Naturalness: light, temperature, and air quality
• Individualization: ownership and flexibility
• Stimulation: an appropriate level of complexity and color

These findings remind us that even small shifts in the physical environment can influence how learners feel and engage. In most classrooms, educators have more control than they might think. Lighting, sound, furniture arrangement, flexible workspaces, and visual design can all be adjusted with intention. Even something as simple as keeping 20–50% of wall space clear can support focus and reduce cognitive overload.

Taking time to audit the classroom environment—and inviting learners into that conversation—can go a long way in creating spaces that support learning. Think about a space where you felt invited, safe and comfortable as a learner. How does that compare to your current classroom or learning environment?

Ultimately, it comes down to the choices we offer learners about where their learning happens. Learning is often social, and people thrive when given options, especially when those options feel welcoming and purposeful. How does your classroom (or school) create space for learners to explore, design and create? In what ways might your environment empower learner agency?

Designing learning spaces isn’t just about furniture or layout. It’s about creating the conditions where learners feel empowered to engage, take risks and own their learning.

Image by Brendacfeyc from Pixabay