Co-Designing Learning Environments: Aligning Pedagogy, Space and Student Learning

Learning environments play an important role in shaping how teaching and learning take place. As schools adopt more collaborative, inquiry-based, and student-centred pedagogies, many educators are rethinking how classrooms and school spaces can better support these approaches.

This workshop explores how schools can intentionally align pedagogy, learning activities, and the use of space through participatory co-design processes. The session introduces ways of designing with and engaging educators, school leaders, and learners in shaping learning spaces that support meaningful learning experiences.

Participants will examine practical approaches such as visioning exercises and spatial prototyping to better understand how learning spaces are currently used and how they can be improved. The workshop will also explore how schools can rethink and optimise existing classrooms and learning spaces, even without major structural changes.

Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, participants will reflect on how learning environments can evolve alongside changes in pedagogy, organisational structures, and student needs. The session highlights how co-design processes can build shared ownership, strengthen professional dialogue, and support school-based innovation, enabling educators to create more flexible, collaborative, and responsive environments for teaching and learning.

Impact for School Leaders and Key Personnel‍

School leaders and key personnel will gain practical approaches for guiding collaborative conversations on how learning environments can better support evolving pedagogies and student needs. The session also equips leaders with participatory strategies to strengthen professional dialogue, build shared ownership, and support thoughtful innovation in teaching and learning.

Key Competencies: What Will Leaders Gain From This?

The programme focuses on four core competencies of leadership:

• Aligning Pedagogy and Learning Environments - Understand how classroom environments influence teaching practices, student engagement, and collaborative learning.
• Evidence-Informed Decision Making - Use stakeholder feedback and participatory inquiry to inform decisions about improving learning environments.
• Collaborative Leadership for Innovation - Engage teachers and students in co-design processes that strengthen professional dialogue and shared ownership.
• Leading Change Through Participation - Apply participatory approaches that build trust and support smoother transitions when introducing new learning practices.

‍

Target Audience: School Leaders and Key Personnel