Detroit Public Schools renovates a middle school in a Special Education Center for Life Lessons

I have been lucky to be part of this project from the beginning.  Imagine a school where developmentally disabled young adults learn to navigate the real world, from how to use a bank or go shopping, to learning the skills to get a job.  Now imagine this on a tight budget (constraints make for good design).

The Drew Detroit Transition Center is scheduled to open in the beginning of March and I can't wait until it's fully up and running.  Read the article in the Detroit News:

Detroit Public Schools - Center Built for Life Lessons

Peer Instruction - How do we design classrooms for this?

I attended a recent presentation by Alan November, internationally known education and technology consultant, who spoke on web literacy and integrating technology into education (fascinating stuff - more about that in a later post).  He presented a video about Eric Mazur, Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Science at Harvard University. 

Professor Mazur spoke about his realization that students in his physics lectures were doing well on exams but not actually retaining the knowledge.  This led to serious questioning about the standard practice of teaching (cover content in class, practice problems at home) and development of a teaching style he calls Peer Instruction.  In short (really short - I'm just started learning about it)

1) Read content at home prior to class

2) Comment and ask questions on a classroom blog/social network

3) Solve problem in class (use voting clickers)

4) Convince your peers your answer is correct

5) Continue solving problems (again with clickers)

The research has shown that peer engagement and immediate feedback in class results in all students demonstrating improved conceptual learning and problem-solving skills.

How can design of educational spaces support this kind of learning?  If it works well in a traditional lecture hall (where frankly, facing your peers can be physically difficult) can it work better in a space designed for it?

Please share your thoughts...

Short Introductory Video:

Deeper Conversation (what to watch since Lost is off the air):

Steelcase Student of the Month

If you're interested in how design impacts education, Steelcase Education provides short posts on learning by leading educators and designers.  The January post by Trung-Le, Education Designer at Cannon Design is a very good read - enjoy!
Steelcase Education Solutions - Student of the Month