Towards Developing Criteria to Evaluate the Functional Performance Efficiency of Learning Spaces

Abstract

The spatial and geometric design of learning spaces plays an important role in transmitting the dynamics of learning. Recently, there has been a major milestone in effective teaching and learning methods (modern pedagogical approaches) that aim to shift students away from the traditional learning process towards collaborative, problem-oriented and independent learning. These changes required a new generation of learning spaces with different strategies and methods to adapt to these changes. This research problem lies in the huge gap between modern pedagogical methods and the spatial and geometric configuration of different learning spaces that do not meet the requirements of these methods. This article examines the impact of designing different learning spaces on learner-centred teaching and learning by understanding the interrelationships between research in architecture, learning sciences, and environmental psychology in order to achieve effective learning. As a result of the research, a set of criteria for evaluating the functional effectiveness of the research areas under consideration was developed.