The practice of coworking is far from being new, yet it represents a totally new learning environment once it’s taken to the classroom. The trick here is to advance current educational practices and provide new opportunities that go beyond the restrictions of a typical school day. When the topic of co-working comes up, most people will think of cooperation and an interdisciplinary approach to challenges in a single space that is shared. With over 386 coworking spaces in London, one should always take time to study available options and compare them to the list of objectives to achieve the best results. The main purpose is to connect professionals, regardless if we are dealing with a specific project or aim to unite several schools locally for a social cause.
Innovative Learning Environments in London
- Ivydale Primary School London.
A new building on Inverton Road in London is a perfect example of an innovative learning environment with a focus on design and architecture. According to architects Adam Cossey and Shoko Kijima, the purpose was to provide workshops for the children and let the co-working concept start in the elementary environment. Now, innovations still include the usual written assignments and school work, which is why approaching WritingUniverse should be one of the options to consider. Although innovations tend to bring a certain degree of presentations and verbal (oral) work, the development of cognitive skills via writing is still important! Turning to innovations, one must always remember that it’s about learning new things and feeling safe in the long run.
- London Steiner School.
Even if you are not familiar with the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner in education, it is the independent co-educational school in London that aims for a holistic approach. It helps to nurture creative personalities, which is why the school constantly hires various coworking spaces. As youngsters meet and interview professionals from different fields of life, they become prepared for life in modern society. As a rule, the use of coworking spaces also becomes necessary to host such events. Therefore, specialists recommend turning to professional facilities to help young learners establish belonging to society and the local community.
- London Business School.
While the primary focus has been made on inclusivity and equality, specialists behind the London Business School have adjusted their learning processes and teaching methods to the innovative learning environments concepts. As a way to explore case study assignments, many students are using coworking facilities in London, like the wonderful air-conditioned Unit Z in Brixton/Stockwell, or approaching a famous eOffice Soho for school debates and discussions of marketing and e-commerce projects. Spending time in a relaxed place, they connect theoretical and practical means of learning. It is precisely where the environment plays a critical role for data perception purposes.
- Green Schools Project.
This is the case when the coworking classroom is taken beyond the physical space of the classroom. In addition to the famous green school concept, it also implements studying outside by turning lessons into small journeys and climate education analysis concepts. The main purpose here is to educate about the climate and ecological crisis we are going through. Since it is project-based learning, the majority of London’s infrastructure is implemented as well, thus using available coworking facilities. Even though the practice of coworking spaces is relatively new for schoolchildren, it becomes quite popular in London.
Innovative Learning Environments Concept
While it is not always possible to determine or mark a typical London classroom as such, an innovative learning environment must represent a special “whole-school” attitude when it comes to the learning process. It is a mixture of ergonomics, design, transportation accessibility, and, most importantly, readiness to implement technology and adapt to new educational practices. As an example, University College London even offers an MSc course that focuses on the creation, management, and improvement of learning environments. The outline clearly shows that positivity and creative design are the main elements to consider.
Photo credits: Unsplash
BIO
Josh Garner constantly seeks innovative and alternative ways to process information. As an educator and environmentalist, he believes that coworking is the future of education. Follow Josh to use your creativity and change the world for the better.