On Learning Spaces with Dr. Robert

Episode 029, Dr. Robert Dillon: The Space
We’ve covered what we teach, and how we teach, and why we teach… but we have never really talked about WHERE we teach. So today, enjoy the insights and inspirations of Dr. Robert Dillon. In this interview, we discuss the research behind where we learn, how we can put this research into practice by making small changes to our environment, and strategies for keeping this top of mind as we move throughout the school year.

Connect with Dr. Robert Dillon
Website: www.drrobertdillon.com/ | Twitter: @drrobertdillon

Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb

Links & Show Notes

• David Thornburg - 3 archetypal learning spaces (05:45)
• Campfire, Watering Hole, Cave
• Cooperative Learning Structures / Kagan strategies (07:09)
• Quiz, Quiz, Trade
• Intro to Dr. Robert Dillon (09:46)
• The Space, the book - co-authored by Dillon & Rebecca Louise Hare
• St Vrain’s Innovation Center
• Why Space Matters (11:32)
• Movement, choice, active engagement (12:30)
• John Medina’s quote: “If you wanted to create an education environment that was directly opposed to what the brain was good at doing, you probably would design something like a classroom.” - from Brain Rules
• Designing Learning spaces (14:01)
• Optimize the perimeter
• Color, Clutter, Visual Noise = distraction
• “We always have control over less in our classrooms.”
• Strategies to declutter (14:50)
• Do I still need that anchor chart?
• Ask students every 2 weeks
• “Where our students learn matters. Are they guests? Or are they collaborators? (17:04)
• Steelcase (19:10)
• Steelcase research on Education spaces
• University of Melbourne research on ed spaces: LEaRN (Learning Environments Applied Research Network)
• Vanderbilt on Learning Spaces
• Interaction Geography (20:03) - how people move through the space
• Example
• The need for Quiet (21:05)
• The cost of interruptions (Washington Post, Forbes, Fast Company)
• Bob’s favorite learning spaces (24:08)
• What’s on the walls? (25:26)
• More images of students doing the work vs the ‘perfect’ finished products
• Process over product
• Accelerant for classroom management (28:02)
• Rocky Mountain Elementary
• Open Educational Resources (29:49)
• OER Commons
• Engage NY math curriculum
• What are the verbs for your space? (31:29)
• Hacks for improving space (33:01)
• Natural light; simulate nature
• Use visual displays to do so
• Balance ‘green time’ with ‘screen time’
• Classroomscreen.com
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) (34:50)
• 7 principles: Equitable Use, Flexibility in Use, Simple and Intuitive Use, Perceptible Information, Tolerance for Error, Low Physical Effort, Size and Space for Approach and Use
• #LearningSpaces on twitter / instagram & Flexspace.com
• How to keep up with these things (40:57)
• “Release trapped wisdom into the system.”
• To learn more: drrobertdillon.com; @drrobertdillon on twitter
• Reflections from Ben & Becky (43:31)
• Suzy Evans - teacher clip on assessment-capable learners & using space during assessment (45:21)
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