In the Paradiesli Schoolhouse, active learning is the order of the day.
The LO Edge desk and dividers from the LO Move system can be clicked together, making it child’s play to implement Switzerland’s modern learning plan Lehrplan 21, while also creating an ergonomic workspace.
Contemporary schoolteaching uses a variety of spatial settings for students to learn in. Sometimes the whole class is being taught as a block; sometimes small group discussions are underway; other times are for focused individual work. Thus today’s classroom needs to be equipped for all these modes. The question: what’s the best way to enable students to transition effectively between these different learning types within their classroom? Ideally, without causing a lot of noise or requiring outside help, and bearing in mind the limited space available in the typical classroom.
| Client | Aarburg School |
|---|---|
| Branche | Education |
| Furnishing | Lista Office LO – LO Zürich |
| Number of workstations | 50 student spaces, 2 teacher spaces |
| Planning | Lista Office LO, Education |
| Products | LO Edge, LO Move, Holmris |
| Adress | www.schule-aarburg.ch |
The concept
Two model classrooms were designed, breaking away from the traditional schoolroom setup and showcasing a modern learning atmosphere. There were two key requirements: firstly, it needed to be easy for students to move the furniture around to create the right setting to match each task. Secondly, the arrangements should promote ergonomic working and encourage movement during teaching.
The furnishings
The LO Edge desks click together using magnetic «Click & Meet» connectors, making it child’s play to rearrange the workspace to suit changing needs. The Paradiesli Schoolhouse was equipped with triangular desks, which can be used to create much more varied and interesting formations than square or rectangular desks. All the desks have been set to standing height, thus encouraging students to work on their feet as much as possible.
If some of the students do prefer to sit down to study, raised counter stools are available. This arrangement means that some students can continue to stand while others sit, without needing to adjust the desktop heights.
During periods where more intense concentration is needed, the LO Move dividers come into their own, as they can be connected to the desktops. As well as fostering focused concentration, the dividers also serve as excellent board space for presentations or additional teaching material.
The «Ray» schoolroom chairs from Holmris have soft seats and foster ergonomic working while also encouraging more movement during seated work.
The success
- Desks can be linked together quickly and easily to transition to and from groupwork or pair work.
- The teacher can easily move from group to group at the standing desks, where they address their students at eye level.
- Standing for more of the learning time has significant benefits for reducing signs of fatigue, improving targeted learning, and supporting concentration into later in the afternoon.
- Both teachers and students enjoy working in the new, unconventional learning environment, and motivation is visibly boosted.
