Classroom A 120: Harriman-Hertz Furniture | Supporting Diverse Learning through the Evolution of Cradle to Career

Goal:

Future classrooms and workplaces support diverse learning by addressing the sensory, cognitive, and behavioral needs of diverse learners.

3 Factors that contributed to the Evolution:

1.Diverse Learners
2. Flexibility
3. Technology

PK-12 Evolution:

1. New Pedagogies (‘guide on the side’ teaching style)
2. Diverse Learner Recognition (inclusion)
3. Flexible Learning Environment (comfort for focus)

Higher Ed Evolution:

1. Collaboration (team-based learning)
2. Cross Disciplinary Cooperation (STEM, STEAM)
3. Communication (technology, hybrid learning)

Workplace Evolution:

1.Flexible Work Style (varied spaces, hybrid work)
2.Collaboration (diversity fosters innovation)
3.Transparency (promotes group collaboration)

Focus:

Sensory needs are addressed in the furnishings of future classrooms and workplaces. Furniture with materials and finishes that are biophilic – connected to nature, mentally soothing in color choices, sensory soothing in various textures, and behaviorally soothing in functional flexibility.
Placement of furniture within spaces address various types of comfort levels in learning. Collaborative spaces for group interaction are centrally focused while areas to observe are located at

Impact:

The three factors that contribute to the evolutions of Cradle to Career Learning; Neurodiversity, Flexibility, and Technology result in three common denominators – Inclusivity, Focus, and Innovation.

3 Common Denominators from the Evolution

1. Support for diverse learners results in INCLUSIVITY
2.Flexible Environments create opportunity for FOCUS
3. Collaboration fosters INNOVATION