Abstract
Using the OECD’s (Educational research and innovation: innovative learning environments. Centre for Educational Research and Innovation, 2013) Innovative Learning Environment (ILE) model as an analytical lens, this chapter examines one school’s ILE transition, highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of factors guiding its evolution. It begins by exploring definitions and understandings of ILEs, and alignment with arguments promoting their potential to better-prepare students with the skills, capabilities and competencies deemed important for leading productive and fulfilling lives in the 21st Century. The associated concept of key competencies informs curriculum in many countries and has been linked with a move to (re)develop classrooms to reflect designs thought more suited to supporting the development of these capabilities in students. It is argued ILEs are specifically designed to allow students to work more flexibly and collaboratively. Curriculum is often planned to utilise a range of technologies where students work in teams on project or problem-based learning tasks, designed to build capabilities including self-management, learning independence, problem solving and critical and creative thinking. However, innovative learning environments demand more than just changes to the design of physical teaching spaces. Outcomes from this study indicate the critical importance to successful ILE establishment of challenging teachers’ often entrenched beliefs about the purpose of schooling, and the need to empower and harness the talents of all staff towards achieving a clearly articulated and understood vision. This chapter uses data excerpts from nearly seven years of research to provide unique insights into this process, identifying key knowledge useful to understanding the complex interrelationship between curriculum, pedagogy, technology, and physical learning space design in the development of ILEs.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
References
Blackmore, J., Bateman, D., Cloonan, A., Dixon, M., Loughlin, J., O’Mara, J., & Senior, K. (2012). Innovative learning environment research study. Victoria Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. http://www.learningspaces.edu.au/docs/learningspaces-final-report.pdf
Brooks, D. (2011). Space matters: The impact of formal learning environments on student learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42(5), 719–726.
Campbell, L. (2019). Teaching in an inspiring learning space: An investigation of the extent to which one school’s innovative learning environment has impacted upon teachers’ pedagogy and practice. Research Papers in Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2019.1568526
de Corte, E. (2010). Historical developments in the understanding of learning: Using research to inspire practice. OECD publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264086487-4-en
Falloon, G. W. (2013). Young students using iPads: App design and content influences on their learning. Computers & Education, 68, 505–521.
Falloon, G. W. (2013). What’s going on behind the screens? Researching young students’ learning pathways using iPads. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 30(4), 318–336.
Falloon, G. W. (2015). What’s the difference? Learning collaboratively using iPads in conventional classrooms. Computers & Education, 84, 62–77.
Falloon, G. W. (2017). Using apps to scaffold science learning in primary classrooms: Design, pedagogical and curriculum considerations. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 26, 613–628.
Falloon, G. W. (2019). From simulations to real: Investigating young students’ learning and transfer from simulations to real tasks. British Journal of Educational Technology, 51(3), 778–797.
Falloon, G. W., & Khoo, E. (2014). Exploring young students’ talk in iPad-supported collaborative learning environments. Computers & Education, 77, 13–28.
Falloon, G. W., Fenemor, T. & Hales, P. (2016). Learning mathematical concepts and building thinking skills through coding: Experiences from the junior primary school. SET Research Information for Teachers, 1. http://www.nzcer.org.nz/system/files/2016_1_008_0.pdf
Falloon, G. W. (2016). An analysis of young students’ thinking when completing basic coding tasks using Scratch Jr. on the iPad. Journal of Computer-Assisted Learning, 32(6), 576–593.
Gislason, N. (2010). Architectural design and the learning environment: A framework for school design research. Learning Environments Research, 13(2), 127–145.
Haplin, D. (2007). Utopian spaces of “robust hope”: The architecture and nature of progressive learning environments. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 35(3), 243–255.
Hood, N. (2019). Innovative learning environments: What is an ILE? The Education Hub. https://theeducationhub.org.nz/what-is-an-ile/
Kariippanon, K., Cliff, D., Lancaster, S., Okely, A., & Parrish, A. (2019). Flexible learning spaces facilitate interaction, collaboration and behavioural engagement in secondary school. Plos One, 14(10). https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223607
Maddux, C., & Cummings, R. (2004). Fad, fashion and the weak role of theory and research in information technology in education. Journal of Information Technology for Teacher Education, 12(4), 511–533.
Mahat, M., Bradbeer, C., Byers, T., & Imms, W. (2018). Innovative learning environments and teacher change: Defining key concepts. University of Melbourne. http://www.iletc.com.au/publications/reports
Mulcahy, D., Cleveland, B., & Aberton, H. (2015). Learning spaces and pedagogic change: Envisioned, enacted and experienced. Pedagogy Culture and Society, 23, 575–595.
NSW Department of Education. (2020). School learning environment and change: Learning spaces. https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/school-learning-environments-and-change/learning-space
NZ Ministry of Education. (2020). Designing learning environments. https://www.education.govt.nz/school/property-and-transport/projects-and-design/design/designing-learning-environments/
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). (2002). Definition and selection of competencies (DeSeCo): Theoretical and conceptual foundations strategy paper. Directorate for Education, Employment, Labour and Social Affairs. https://www.deseco.ch/bfs/deseco/en/index/01.parsys.70925.downloadList.59988.DownloadFile.tmp/2001annualreport.pdf
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). (2004). Innovation in the knowledge economy: Implications for education and learning. Centre for Educational Research and Innovation. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/innovation-in-the-knowledge-economy_9789264105621-en
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). (2005). The definition and selection of key competencies: Executive summary. Directorate for Education, Employment, Labour and Social Affairs. http://www.oecd.org/pisa/35070367.pdf
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (2013). Educational research and innovation: Innovative Learning Environments. Centre for Educational Research and Innovation.https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264203488-en
Osborne, M. (2019). Innovative learning environments: Here’s the evidence. Education Central. https://educationcentral.co.nz/innovative-learning-environments-heres-the-evidence/
Patrix, M. (2017). The influence of innovative learning environments on student learning in a mainstream secondary school. Masters dissertation, Auckland University of Technology. Open Thesis. https://openrepository.aut.ac.nz/handle/10292/11018
Rychen, D., & Salganik, L. (Eds.). (2001). Defining and selecting key competencies. Hogrefe & Huber.
Rychen, D. S., & Salganik, L. H. (Eds.). (2003). Key competencies for a successful life and a well-functioning society. Hogrefe & Huber.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2021 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Falloon, G. (2021). Enacting a Vision: One School’s Transition to Becoming an ILE. In: Wright, N., Khoo, E. (eds) Pedagogy and Partnerships in Innovative Learning Environments. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5711-5_13
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5711-5_13
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-16-5710-8
Online ISBN: 978-981-16-5711-5
eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)