Library Defenders: Flexible Spaces

A new year brings new buzzwords. Lately, we've heard a lot about "flexible learning/instructional strategies" and "flexible spaces." Buzzwords are easy to toss around, but what do they actually mean? Let's focus on the latter, "flexible spaces."

Applying the highlighted definition to spaces, we can presume that flexible spaces are easily modified to respond to various scenarios.

Flexible spaces help us create student-centered environments. When we use a variety of techniques in our instruction, we are asking our students to use a variety of techniques in their learning. That variety must be supported. That is where flexible spaces come in to play.

Flexible spaces are popular for a reason. They are set up with movement in mind, and are easily changed to suit the needs of your students and your instruction.

Around Warrior Run, you can see flexible spaces at all levels:

Libraries at all three schools
Middle school Makerspace
High school classrooms, notably 215D

Most recently, at the high school, we have redesigned rooms 105A and 105B to become The Commons. Currently, it is available for classes, activities, department and faculty meetings, presentations, and more*. Eventually, it will be a true flexible space with a specific criteria for student use. It is in its early stages (more renovation needs to be completed), but it is able to be used now! It is exciting to see a new student-centered space come to fruition at Warrior Run.