Steelcase Learning and ET Education discuss the future of education in India. They explore how industry and academia can partner to improve learning. Dynamic learning spaces are key. These spaces will use technology and personalise learning. They will also be flexible. This approach will help students develop essential 21st-century skills.
The K-12 education and University landscape in India is at an interesting point of inflection, with the growing adoption of active learning. This rapidly changing dynamic necessitates Institutions to adapt and meet the evolving expectations of learning spaces. Steelcase Learning is proud to have partnered with ET Education, to address the central question of how strategic partnerships between industry and academia can shape the future of education.
Luminaries from the industry shared their perspectives on how this industry-academia gap can be bridged. Through the various panel discussions, they challenged the status quo. The need to have multi and inter disciplinary work with a practical orientation, applying the principles of design thinking and working closer to the community by means of project engagements, and learning by making and doing, were some of the steps outlined for today’s learners. For the educators, what stood out was the overarching need to reinvent themselves by upskilling, and at a University level, upgradation of infrastructure would be key to creating flexible environments, that render the campuses as fluid, promote more personalised learning and make the spaces dynamic and resilient.
One way in which Steelcase helps to create dynamic learning environments is by building strategic partnerships based on the concept of “Learn Better”. We deeply understand the aspirations of the institution and believe in the power of design to positively impact the learning experience. Our collaborative approach ensures that the solutions we provide are tailored to the educational objectives and desired outcomes, both within and beyond the classroom.
Any place can be a learning space throughout a campus. In libraries, learning commons, cafés and in-between spaces, design solutions outside the classroom can help learners collaborate, socialise and focus. We create insight-led products using our foundations in primary research, to help impact specific learning outcomes. We research and design solutions that improve engagement, allow for empowerment and extend into a life of learning, from early learners to university graduates to working professionals in corporates.
For more than a century, Steelcase has helped teachers teach and students learn by providing smart, flexible, durable furniture for the unique needs of the K-12 market, universities as well as corporate learning spaces. We aspire for educational spaces to prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Incorporating elements such as natural lighting, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials can create healthier and more environmentally conscious environments. The classroom of the future should be inclusive, technology-enabled and should cater to diverse learning styles, promoting active engagement.
In summary, when we think about skill-building, we’re not just talking about transferring knowledge – we’re talking about equipping learners with the tools to think critically, collaborate effectively, and adapt to an ever-evolving world. Hence, we advocate for dynamic environments, that focus on the three key pillars: flexible spaces for active learning, technology integration and personalised learning environments. We are optimistic about forward-looking and futuristic learning environments, which would support 21st century skills of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and help build leaders of the future. Courtesy: https://education.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/industry/steelcase-crafting-flexible-spaces-for-a-new-era-of-education/116496799