Secondary School Teachers' Perceptions of Affordances in a Planned Multizone Flexible Learning Environment

• In Event: Teachers and Their Influence on the Learning Environment

Abstract

Non-traditional learning environments bring challenges for teachers, and participant involvement when redesigning and modernizing traditional learning environments has been pointed out as important for successful transitions. A case study was carried out in an old school auditorium that was rebuilt into multizone flexible learning environment. Secondary school teachers conducted pre-occupancy evalutions on two occations, one virtual and one on-site walk-through. The analysis of the teachers’ perceptions of affordances indicated two kinds of material affordances: organisational and educational. Organisational affordances had a major influence on the kinds of educational activites that were described. The new environment made teachers consider new ways of organising existing activities rather than new activities. Further research on the organisational dimensions of flexible learning environments is suggested.

Authors

• Anneli Frelin, University of Gävle

• Jan Grannas, University of Gavle