EDucation: CLASSROOM

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Teaching and learning today take multiple forms, transitioning from a traditional lecture format to active learning and flipped classrooms in which class time is devoted to team projects, exercises and other interactive modes. The variety of approaches—based on the instructor’s choice or course content—requires seating, tables and screens that can easily be moved around to support all formats, including dynamic peer-to-peer and student-teacher interaction.

 


Traditional

In the traditional model, learning is primarily teacher-to-student and the classroom is designed to accommodate a lecture and discussion. The instructor’s desk is placed front-and-center, with access to whiteboards and technology that may be used to augment lecture material. An instructor desk with fixed lectern allows the teacher to sit or stand while leading discussion or during a “break” as students complete a written exercise. In this conventional scenario, students are most often seated in chairs arranged in parallel rows or in a U-shape. Mobile tables and screens can also be furnished to allow students to quickly reconfigure the space for small group interaction.

Expansion Training is a collection of multi-purpose tables ideally suited for a variety of learning scenarios, including individual and interactive learning in large or small groups. The complementary Focus Wall provides a generous surface for writing and display.

Expansion Training tables offer a selection of leg styles and can be specified with shared legs that increase user space and reduce price in permanent applications. Variable chairs provide lightweight seating for spaces where reconfiguration is required, yet durability remains essential.

Designed for versatility, the mobile Flip-Top Table is ideal for spaces that require instant and easy reconfiguration. Durable Flip-Top Tables also provide efficient nesting capacity.


Active Learning

Active learning classrooms are complex environments where students participate fully in a dynamic process that promotes critical thinking. Lightweight, mobile furniture allows students and instructors to modify classroom geography and centers of interest, thereby supporting a variety of learning strategies and activities. Mobile whiteboards can be moved around to define collaborative work areas for project teams or study groups, while also acting as a low-tech tool for sharing ideas and information. Mobile chairs with a tablet arm and a shelf for bags and books assist in making quick transitions from one learning mode to the next.

The Variable HybrED Chair is a self-contained desk and chair equipped with a double-articulating arm and a worksurface that pivots 360 degrees for left or right hand use. Chairs can be configured for focused or interactive learning activities. A cantilevered base and frame maximize storage beneath the seat. The unique design also gives students unobstructed access to stored items from a seated position.


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Transitional Collaborative

Teaching methods differ widely among faculty members. One instructor might intersperse a lecture with quick quizzes, brief writing assignments and role-playing exercises. Another may favor small group problem-solving tasks. Allocating a single table for each person is an “old school” format that gives the student his or her own place to read or write, enables eye contact with the instructor and allows the student to participate in general discussion. At the same time, a fixed table can hamper other modes of learning. Mobile tables can be moved, grouped and/or ganged together to support fluid transitions from teacher-centered to peer-to-peer learning.

Thesis Mobile Tables, a Mobile Whiteboard and Pivoting Lectern provide a high level of flexibility in the classroom.


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Thesis Learning Tables are distinguished by an innovative kit-of-parts concept, which allows for retrofit of levelers, casters or ADA height extensions to the leg as needed.


Lecture

In a classroom used primarily for lectures, different height seating and tables can create a tiered effect that improves sight lines to the instructor or to a video that is used to enhance class content. The instructor may prefer to have not only a desk at the front of the room, but also a lectern that acts as a defining element and provides a surface for lecture notes, books or a laptop. Student 21seating and tables can be off-set with reference to the speaker’s position or combined in a U-shape that changes the dynamic of the room and encourages a lively student/teacher dialogue.

Tiers of Thesis tables and Variable seating are angled toward a mobile screen at the front of the room to provide clear sight lines. The screen, tables and chairs can be arranged and rearranged to create different configurations as needed.

In a fixed layout, Thesis tables can be specified with shared legs that permit longer spans and create a larger open area beneath the worksurface.

Tiers of Thesis tables make it easier for a speaker to engage all students. Providing options for diverse applications, Variable multi-purpose seating includes: guest chairs, bar- and counter-height stacking stools and work chairs with a choice of legs or a swivel base. Stackable Variable chairs and stools make it easy to clear space for a new activity.


Active Learning with Tables 

Flexibility is key for active learning scenarios in which students learn by engaging with peers and working together on projects that promote a deeper understanding of class content. Mobile flip-top tables and whiteboards are ideal for these dynamic environments, allowing for quick reorientation within the classroom and providing a writable surface on which to capture ideas. Modular and mobile seating contributes further to the flexibility of the room, allowing users to configure the space for focused work, peer-to-peer interaction or open group discussion.

Thesis Flip-Top Tables offer a writable whiteboard or magnetic glass surface that can be used as a simple analog tool for sharing or display, and as a means of dividing space. When flipped, the tables can be nested for efficient storage.


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The Thesis Flip-Top Table is unique in that the table is designed to offer the advantage of seating on all sides. Versatile Mobile Markerboards provide a way to divide space in an open active learning environment.


Flipped Classroom

In the flipped classroom, students read material or watch video lectures prior to class—and devote time to projects and exercises during the class session, working alone or with peers according to the assignment. Mobile furniture can be organized to adapt to changing needs and to allow the instructor to interact with and assess the progress of students at work. Fixed and mobile whiteboards give every student physical and visual access to the data displayed, while digital tools further enhance sharing and learning. Taking ergonomics into consideration, comfortable seating and height-adjustable tables allow for alterations in posture and help students to remain alert and engaged.

The Thesis High Team Table encourages students to adopt different postures, making it easy to stand or circulate around the table. A Thesis Mobile Markerboard divides space and acts as a focus for collaboration. The Thesis Pivoting Lectern swings 360 degrees to allow computer access from any position, thereby encouraging teacher mobility.

Thesis tables and Variable chairs can be specified with accent colors that act as cues to help group students during classroom activities. Featuring sit-to-stand capability, Livello height-adjustable and Thesis standing height tables encourage students to change posture as they collaborate.

In a flipped classroom, students are doing projects and “homework”, supported by the instructor. Multiple styles, heights of both tables and seating help facilitate the diverse activities happening in a flipped classroom.


Technology 

The 21st century campus may encompass a computer lab, technology-enhanced classrooms and project rooms that incorporate digital learning tools. In some cases, students gather around a table and a screen to view a lecture via Skype or other video software. Tables may also be equipped with integrated electronic connectivity that allows students to project and share data, promoting focus and engagement among class participants. In a lab setting, students use computers to view a web-based course, take a test or make use of specialized software in subjects such as engineering, architecture or design. Interaction is generally limited.

Thesis Learning Tables and accessories facilitate new learning styles and the effective use of technologies brought into class by students and faculty. Linked mobile tables enable reconfiguration of the space when an alternative approach to teaching and learning is required.

Thesis Library Tables provide a light and unified look for fixed environments like computer labs.

In addition to Thesis tables, Teknion offers a wide range of products in its Tables & Collaborative Spaces line — versatile tables appropriate for creating large group workspaces.


Unconventional 

Casual and modular lounge furniture identifies an unconventional learning space enlivened by vibrant colors that help to stimulate energy and creative thinking. Ottomans, benches and light mobile screens lend the classroom a relaxed look and feel, while also providing reconfigurable elements that give students and teachers a sense of control and ownership of the environment. Semi-enclosed spaces provide a degree of privacy for reading, writing or engaging directly with the instructor. Along the perimeter of the space, furniture and technology are integrated to address the needs of students who are using digital tools to support collaborative work.

Teknion seating and tables combine to create diverse learning zones. Options include: the Cover cafe table paired with Juntura stools, an Interpret worktable framed by Variable chairs, the Cosmos round table intermixed with Pai and Iuta seating and Cover lounge chairs teamed with a Boomerang table to create a more informal setting.

Lite Wall is a series of lightweight screens that can be positioned to delineate a collaborative area within the classroom. Designed with concealed magnets, the screens can be joined in various configurations without visible connections.

Zones Modular Seating with a high back is blended with high Ledge tables to create a distinct activity zone for group discussion.


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