Designing new learning environments: An innovative pedagogical perspective

Abstract Given growing systemic investment in the designing of new learning spaces, researching the relationships between physical space and learning and teaching processes is imperative. Researching innovative learning spaces is challenging, therefore the aim of this paper is to demonstrate a pedagogical characterization based on a three‐dimensional theoretical framework. The study presented here includes three schools in the process of implementing a constructivist pedagogical change involving gradual development of educational intiatives including the redesigning of learning spaces. We characterized learning environments by space, pedagogical practices and curricular potential and explored the relationships between space, active learning and the development of high‐order thinking skills (HOT). Characterization of teaching and learning processes was based on interviews with 12 teachers, 478 class observations and analysis of 307 learning tasks. The findings indicate a higher expression of active learning in the innovative learning spaces compared with the traditional spaces. Nevertheless, results demonstrated difficulties in designing constructivist learning tasks and developing HOT skills, with relatively low encouragement for problem solving skills and critical thinking. Learning tasks were characterized by low cognitive complexity. This study provides a new methodology for investigating teaching and learning processes in innovative learning spaces.