Classroom Design - NextGen Spaces - Learning Spaces - berakout spaces

Solutions: Breakout Spaces

Written by Alicia Springer, M.Ed.

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building confidence through collaboration

Small group learning is great for building communication and social skills. Providing breakout spaces within or outside the classroom encourages students to gather so they can intuitively problem solve, debate, create and learn.

As you design your breakout spaces, think about how each will function, how it supports the student learning outcomes and how it makes students feel. For questions to guide your discussion: Download the planning guide.

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the power of breakout spaces: enhancing learning environments

 

        1. Encouraging Collaboration: Breakout spaces let students work in small groups, promoting collaboration and teamwork. In traditional classrooms, students often get limited interaction with their peers due to space constraints. Small breakout spaces provide a more intimate and relaxed setting for open discussions and brainstorming sessions. By actively engaging with their peers, students develop essential interpersonal skills, such as effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
        2. Facilitating Active Learning: Active learning is an instructional approach that encourages students to participate actively in the learning process. Breakout spaces lend themselves to active learning, providing a dynamic environment for hands-on activities, group projects, and experiential learning. These spaces can be equipped with interactive technology, flexible furniture, and resources tailored to specific subjects or projects. By engaging in active learning experiences within breakout spaces, students become active contributors to their own education, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

        3. Supporting Different Learning Styles: Every student has unique learning preferences and styles. While some learners thrive in a traditional lecture-based environment, others may require more interactive and immersive experiences. Breakout spaces cater to diverse learning styles by offering flexible learning environments. These spaces can be customized to accommodate various learning activities, such as small group discussions, research projects, presentations, or creative workshops. By providing options, breakout spaces allow students to select the environment that best suits their individual needs, thereby enhancing their overall learning experience.

        4. Promoting Creativity and Innovation: Creativity and innovation are crucial skills for the 21st-century workforce. Breakout spaces provide students with the freedom to explore ideas, experiment with new concepts, and think outside the box. These areas can be designed to inspire creativity, incorporating elements such as whiteboards, brainstorming walls, art supplies, and comfortable seating arrangements. By fostering an environment that encourages innovation, breakout spaces help students develop their problem-solving abilities, boost their confidence, and nurture their entrepreneurial mindset.

        5. Reducing Distractions: In a traditional classroom setting, distractions can often hinder students' focus and concentration. Breakout spaces offer a dedicated space away from the main classroom, minimizing potential disruptions. By providing a quieter and more controlled environment, breakout spaces enable students to concentrate on their tasks, engage in deep thinking, and enhance their overall productivity.

 

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EXPLORE breakout spaces: SLIDE SHOw

Click through various flexible learning environments below or visit our image gallery of breakout spaces designed to promote creativity and innovation.

artcobell breakout spaces

A PLACE TO GATHER

Whether you're a student or a teacher, it's important to have a learning environment that is comfortable and welcoming. When you feel at ease in your surroundings, you're more likely to be engaged, focused, and creative.

Create comfortable learning spaces by providing flexible seating options, like curved benches and round rockers.

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CORNER CAFE

Whether your students are reading, working on a project, or just taking a break, a classroom café can help them feel more relaxed and engaged. And who knows? They might even discover a new favorite book or make a new friend!

artcobell breakout space

GATHERING SPOT

Use any open space to create a gathering spot. Using soft seating, you can build a flexible space for impromptu meetings and socializing that can also double as a project planning space for small groups.

See more soft seating products.

artcobell breakout space

EXPLORE ON YOUR OWN

Maker space labs allow a small group of students to explore outside of typical classroom work.  A sturdy maker space table and ample storage for supplies are all you need.

artcobell breakout space

DISTANCE LEARNING OR TELECON MEETING?

Create small spaces where students or staff can meet and collaborate. A table and some comfortable chairs are all that's required.

artcobell breakout space

COLLABORATION + CREATIVITY IN ANY WORKSPACE

Whether you need a change of scenery for a virtual class or a productive space for a remote team meeting, this breakout space with technology and lounge seating is the ultimate solution to boost productivity and foster a sense of community among colleagues.

artcobell breakout space

QUIET RETREAT

Small group learning environments provide students space to demonstrate mastery by creating and presenting projects that simulate real research methods. 

artcobell breakout space

SMALL OR LARGE GROUPS

Look for tables that can be reconfigured for different needs: pair Expanse + Nebula Shape tables to flex small groups from 2 to 12 by mixing and matching.

See how Shape Tables can work together.

artcobell breakout spaces

RECONFIGURABLE TABLES

A breakout room flexes for large staff meetings or small groups with tables that can be moved and reconfigured like Expanse Nebula. Wheel-barrow style (with two casters) tables are easy to move around the space.

artcobell breakout spaces

"HUDDLE" ROOMS

provide students or staff a place to meet over projects or allow privacy for assessment testing. A few desks and comfortable soft seating that can be reconfigured lends to the relaxed, low-stress environment.

artcobell breakout spaces

WORK ON PROJECTS

Create a project space in a media center where students can spend time working on presentations and art projects. Versatile 3P-120 Shape Table works for 3 students with proper social distancing now and more later.  Round Rockers and Arcs provide a fun seating option.

artcobell breakout spaces

WALK UP WORK

A standing racetrack café table in a breakout room gives students a chance to change positions while working on projects.

artcobell breakout spaces

MIX UP HEIGHTS

Movement is important to increase respiration and blood flow.  Use floor seating and reduced height work surfaces to encourage floor work.

Look at other floor seating options.

artcobell breakout space

USE EXTRA SPACE

Creative use of furniture can help teachers maximize learning.  Standing height desks paired with café stools allow students a space to learn that meets their needs.

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BREAKOUT ANYWHERE

Imagine a breakout space that combines the best of technology and comfort with lounge seating. This innovative space is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including interactive touchscreens and video conferencing capabilities, making it perfect for distance learning or telecon meetings. 

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preparing students for success

Learning can happen anywhere and anytime. Having the right furniture sets the stage for that learning. Breakout spaces offer numerous benefits, including encouraging collaboration, facilitating active learning, supporting different learning styles, promoting creativity and innovation, and reducing distractions. By providing flexible and comfortable furniture options, such as curved benches, soft seating, and reconfigurable tables, educational institutions can empower students to actively participate in their education, develop essential skills, and unleash their creative potential. So, whether it's a classroom café, a gathering spot, a quiet retreat, or a breakout room equipped with state-of-the-art technology, incorporating breakout spaces into learning environments is a significant step forward in preparing students for success in the modern world. To explore more about designing effective breakout spaces and further enhance the learning experience, download the planning guide and explore the various flexible learning environments provided.

Nov 28, 2023

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