Teachers' Task Perceptions and Learning Environmental Competences

• In Event: 63.084 - MTCC Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: 63.084-7 - Advances in Learning Environment Studies

Abstract

Several studies point to teachers’ lack of environmental competence in achieving an optimal use of the physical space. Other studies point to a gap in the research literature about teacher agency, the school culture and the school’s learning environment. To address these challenges, the OECD has published reports on 21st century learning environments that present and analyse the best present learning environments. This paper offers a theoretical framework that both problematizes and nuances the notion of teachers’ lack of competence in learning environments. In this paper we suggest that combining spatial theory, sense-making theory and a micropolitical perspective provides a useful theoretical framework that enables a more nuanced understanding of teachers’ agency in redesigned learning environments.

Authors

• Jan Grannas, University of Gavle

• Geert Kelchtermans, University of Leuven