Stimulating Learning Spaces
Students explore how classroom design can make learning more stimulating and enjoyable. They reflect on which elements (e.g., colours, decorations, flexible seating, creative corners) make rooms engaging and motivating. Students then develop ideas to improve classroom spaces so they support curiosity, creativity, and fun in learning.
Purpose
This activity helps students reflect on how classroom design influences motivation and enjoyment in learning. By sharing ideas and suggesting improvements, students contribute to creating stimulating spaces that support creativity, curiosity, and positive learning experiences.
Use and Learning Outcomes
- 1. Supports students’ enjoyment and motivation in the learning environment.
- 2. Encourages students to reflect on how classroom design influences engagement.
- 3. Promotes creativity in designing stimulating learning spaces.
- 4. Strengthens student participation in shaping their classroom environment.
- 5. Creates a more inspiring and enjoyable school atmosphere.
Wellbeing References
Details & Preparation
Room Requirements
A classroom where students can move around and observe the learning environment. Access to different classrooms or learning areas can be helpful for comparison. No special technical equipment is required.
Time for preparation
10 minutes
Preparation
Tasks before the activity:
• Select one or two classrooms or learning areas that students can observe.
• Prepare a simple Classroom Observation Sheet where students can note elements that make the room stimulating (e.g., colours, decorations, flexible seating, creative spaces).
• Print Space Improvement Cards or prepare sticky notes for students to write their ideas for making the classroom more engaging.
• Prepare materials for group discussion (flipchart, board, or poster paper).
• Briefly introduce the topic of stimulating learning environments and how classroom design can influence motivation and enjoyment in learning.
Principles for success
Encourage students to think creatively about what makes learning spaces interesting and enjoyable. Emphasize that different students may find different environments stimulating and that all ideas and perspectives are valuable.
Materials
• Printed Classroom Observation Sheet
• Printed Space Improvement Cards (for ideas and suggestions)
• Pens or markers
• Sticky notes
• Flipchart or whiteboard for collecting ideas
• Optional: coloured paper, decorations, or drawing materials for visualizing ideas
Sequence of Steps
Introduction
10 minutesSuggested introduction:
"The spaces where we learn can influence how we feel and how motivated we are to learn. Some classrooms feel inspiring and creative, while others may feel less stimulating. Today we will explore what makes a learning space interesting, motivating, and fun. You will observe our classroom and think about what helps make learning enjoyable and what could make the space even more stimulating."
The facilitator briefly explains that students will observe the classroom environment, reflect on what makes it stimulating or less engaging, and later share ideas for improving the learning space.
Exploring the Learning Space
10-15 minutesThe facilitator encourages students to look at aspects such as colours, decorations, seating arrangements, creative corners, displays of student work, or areas that invite collaboration and creativity.
Instructions:
Students note their observations on the Classroom Observation Sheet. They identify elements that make the room feel stimulating and engaging, as well as areas that could be improved.
Students can briefly discuss their impressions with a partner or small group and collect initial ideas about how the classroom could become more inspiring and enjoyable for learning.
Sharing Observations and Identifying Inspiring Elements
10 minutesEach group briefly presents what they noticed during the observation. They highlight features that make the classroom feel interesting, creative, or motivating, and mention areas that could be improved.
The facilitator collects the ideas on the board or flipchart and groups similar observations together (for example: colours, decorations, flexible seating, creative areas, displays of student work).
This discussion helps students understand which aspects of the learning environment contribute most to creating a stimulating and enjoyable classroom atmosphere.
Developing Ideas for a More Stimulating Learning Space
10 minutesEach group selects one aspect of the classroom they would like to improve (for example colours, decorations, seating arrangement, creative corners, or displays of student work). They write their idea on a Space Improvement Card.
Students briefly describe:
• the area or element they want to improve
• what they would like to change or add
• how this idea could make the classroom more stimulating and fun for learning
The facilitator encourages students to think creatively while also considering ideas that could realistically be implemented in the classroom.
Presentation and Selection of Ideas
5 minutesAfter the presentations, the facilitator invites the class to discuss which ideas they find most inspiring and realistic. The class may vote or agree on one or two ideas that could be implemented in the classroom.
The facilitator highlights that students’ ideas and creativity play an important role in shaping a stimulating and enjoyable learning environment.
Conclusion and Reflection
5 minutesStudents briefly reflect on what they learned about stimulating learning environments and how small changes in the classroom can make learning more engaging and fun.
If possible, the class agrees on one or two ideas that could be implemented in the classroom. The facilitator encourages students to continue contributing ideas that help create a stimulating and enjoyable learning space for everyone.
Reflection & Tips
Reflection
At the end of the activity, students reflect individually or in a short group discussion on how the learning environment influences their motivation and enjoyment.
Possible reflection questions:
• Which elements of the classroom make learning more enjoyable or interesting for you?
• Did you discover ideas from classmates that you had not thought about before?
• Which proposed improvement would make the classroom more stimulating for learning?
• How can students contribute to creating a positive and inspiring learning environment?
Optional method:
Students write one idea that makes a learning space more stimulating and one suggestion for improving the classroom on sticky notes. The notes are placed on a board under the headings “What inspires learning” and “Ideas for improvement.” This allows the class to reflect on shared perspectives and creative ideas.
Tips for Implementation
Promoting the learning process
Encourage students to share creative and diverse ideas about what makes learning spaces stimulating and enjoyable. The facilitator should emphasize that different students may feel inspired by different elements (e.g., colours, decorations, flexible seating, or creative corners). Ensure that all ideas are respected and that the discussion remains constructive and solution-oriented.
Possible variations of the exercise
Short version: Students focus on observing and discussing only their own classroom.
Extended version: Students explore several classrooms or learning areas in the school and compare which spaces feel most stimulating and why. Students may also create visual sketches or mood boards for improved classroom design.
Cross-references to other exercises
• Safe and Comfortable School Spaces (Security – Premises Design)
• Shared Spaces for Connection (Belonging – Premises Design)
• Classroom Co-Design Studio (Power – Premises Design)
