Tag

furniture

Feb 13
0

The Impact of Flex Furniture

By | Research

LEx Research’s findings and methodologies from the early pilot studies on flexible furniture in the learning environment are now available. Through our research, Huckabee and our partners at ESC Region 12 and Baylor University seek to evaluate the effectiveness of flexible learning environments related to student engagement and achievement. More and more, educators are using the built environment as a tool to meet the needs of their students. In many cases, schools are replacing traditional desks and chairs with furniture that is more mobile and capable of multiple configurations.

While there are many studies focused on flexible furniture, there are very few that focus solely on elementary classrooms. LEx Research’s most recent pilot study investigated the various impacts flexible furniture paired with teacher professional development (PD) had for this young age group. A total of 10 classrooms were included in the study with 3rd and 4th graders (206 students). Classrooms were observed biweekly for eight weeks and assigned to one of two groups: Group A received PD and flexible furniture while Group B maintained traditional furniture. During observations three students were randomly selected per classroom and continuously monitored throughout each observation.

As predicted, students who engaged with flexible furniture reported greater satisfaction with the learning environment than did peers with traditional furniture. Secondly, a series of independent samples tests demonstrated classrooms with flexible furniture provided more opportunities for student autonomy and use of furniture for learning.

To read the full paper, click here.

Feb 12
0

Transforming Teacher Pedagogy

By | Research

At the LEx Collaborative, we are committed to empowering students and educators through the built environment. As part of an ongoing research project, we are investigating the impact that flexible classrooms have on students in the areas of collaboration, communication, critical thinking skills and creativity. As schools redesign learning environments and equip classrooms with flexible furniture, it is imperative to examine the impact on teacher pedagogy and student learning in these areas.

While the Longitudinal Study is ongoing, the critical pilot studies have been completed. Our researchers at Baylor University outline their findings and methodologies in a new article available on BEARdocs, “Transforming Teacher Pedagogy to Maximize 21st Century Skills Through the Learning Environment.”

Our Pilot Study consisted of two different types of classrooms: intervention and control. The intervention group received professional development and flexible furniture for eight weeks (four classrooms), and the control group maintained traditional furniture (10 classrooms). In total, 327 students in grades two to four, participated. Classrooms were observed biweekly for eight weeks. Our observation findings revealed that teachers in classrooms with flexible furniture provided more opportunities for students to participate and actively engage in 21st century learning skills.

To read the full paper, click here.

Nov 15
0

LEsolutions Award

By | Clients

Huckabee and Georgetown ISD recently received a 2018 LEsolutions Planning and Design Award in the new learning category for George Wagner Middle School. The LEsolutions Planning and Design Awards recognize excellent learning environments that are the result of a thoughtful, thorough planning process. We are honored to receive this award and excited to share it with all the individuals who came together to make this project a reality.

Wagner Middle School was part of a district-wide initiative to redefine the Learner Profile for students in Georgetown ISD. Community members, teachers, students and other stakeholders engaged in meaningful dialogue through educational summits, surveys and interviews to arrive at a new Learner Profile—one that emphasized choice, customization and innovation.

The new Learner Profile ignited an exciting, highly-collaborative planning and design process. The team was fully invested, making sure everything about Wagner Middle School pointed back to the district’s vision of an innovative and inquisitive learner. As a result, the final design embodies a place of purpose and exploration, a place that gives students freedom and responsibility in choosing how they learn.

Within the school, academics are broken into three learning neighborhoods with movable glass walls in the classrooms for maximum flexibility. The campus features multiple collaboration zones—including a large learning stair in the cafeteria and commons—for teachers and students. Outdoor learning spaces, a makerspace and a video lab are just some of the ways students can experience learning and embrace creativity.

To read more and view Huckabee’s winning submission, click here.

About the LEsolutions Awards

The LEsolutions Awards recognize learning environments that positively impact learning and teaching and that inspire change and forward progress. The group behind these awards is the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), a non-profit whose sole mission is to improve the places where children learn. A4LE believes that great schools are the result of an interactive planning process, and the LEsolutions Awards highlight schools that came about through sound planning and skillful design.

Aug 20
0

Godley High School Opens

By | Clients

On August 11, Godley High School officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting and open house ceremony. This event provided an opportunity for community members to come together, celebrate the facility and walk the halls before the first day of school. At the event, GISD staff members expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the school, which will serve the community for years to come.

The new facility is a reflection of the district’s mission to empower students to lead. The flexible, adaptable environment at GHS gives students choice and creates more opportunities for imagination, collaboration and student-led learning. The epicenter of the school is the Center for Learning & Innovation, which features a café, library, collaboration rooms with movable walls, a film room, learning stair and access to the outdoors. This large, open area is reminiscent of a college environment and is designed to accommodate learning in a variety of contexts.

The design also features modern and flexible classrooms, labs and CTE spaces. Media and presentation spaces incorporate 21st century technology and comfortable seating. A vibrant weight room and gymnasium provide space for athletic activities. Outdoor courtyards and ample natural light support the collegiate feel. The high school is 120,000 sf total and can accommodate up to 700 students in grades 9-12. The school will support student learning and growth in a unique, engaging setting.

Sep 23
0

Huckabee at TASA/TASB

By | News

Team Huckabee is at TASA / TASB this weekend, sharing insights with our partners at three break-out sessions. Here’s when and where to find us:

Process not Product: Promoting authentic learning in elementary education
Kerri Ranney is joined by Dr. Benny Soileau and Dr. Joel Nolte of Huffman ISD and Tona Blizzard of Grapevine-Colleyville ISD at the TASA/TASB convention in Dallas for this session that focuses on how to leverage design, instruction and community to create a supportive and explorative learning environment. The team looks at Huffman ISD’s new elementary school and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD’s new STEM education campus.  The conversation explores the steps that were taken to fully adopt a culture shift at a campus and district level that promotes skills-based education and a love of life-long learning. A VR component and “Experience More” goggles are included.

The session takes place at 7:30 AM on Friday, October 6 in Room D172.

Top 10 Conversations and Aspirations Influencing School Design
Kerri is joined by Konrad Judd, Huckabee’s Chief Design Officer, for a light-hearted 30-minute discussion on the top 10 things school districts are asking for now. Think David Letterman meets public education with a design twist. Kerri and Konrad count down the 10 most requested items, spaces and cultural influencers that are topping out wish lists across the state. From power outlets and parking spots to adaptability and autonomy, they’ll answer: why these items are being asked for, how they’re being used and how they are changing the learning experience for students and teachers.

The session begins at 9 AM on Friday, October 6 in the exhibit hall at TASA/TASB.

Furniture as a Learning Tool: Drawing inspiration beyond educational portfolios
Konrad, Tami O’Neal, Huckabee’s furniture coordinator, and Amy Wood, Granbury ISD’s Director of Technology, explore a case study on Granbury ISD’s high school reconstruction and the impact furniture had on curriculum and design. GISD looked beyond typical K-12 furniture options and designed a solution that maximized instructional and economic value for their $49 million modernization. They gained square footage, increased utilization and delivered a 21st century environment for less than they had estimated.

The session takes place at 1 PM on Friday, October 6 in room D172 during the TASA/TASB convention in Dallas. The session will be repeated at the EdSpaces conference in Kansas City at 3:30 PM on October 25.

May 05
0

Furniture as a learning tool

By | Clients

Granbury High School’s comprehensive modernization created a learning environment that fosters a collegiate / professional culture for students and teachers. Furniture selection played a prominent role in the design, as Granbury ISD and Huckabee looked beyond typical to create a flexible, engaging and technology-driven space.

While the renovation touched the entire facility, the greatest transformation occurred in three key areas:

Student Union
The student union encompasses the dining hall, bistro, coffee bar, student commons and media center. It’s a fluid space that is connected visually and physically to encourage connectivity in multiple ways.

Soft seating is used to create inviting areas for informal learning, socialization and idea sharing. Tables of varying height are ideal for study and small-group learning. Breakout rooms in the media center feature collaborative technology that can be used for pre-making research and group exploration activities. A learning stair is used for social engagement as well as a group presentation space. All furniture can be re-arranged to suit student needs.

Teacher Planning Rooms
Granbury ISD adopted dynamic scheduling to maximize square footage, create supportive learning communities and promote teaming between teachers. Teacher planning rooms were designed to support this shift. They are centrally located throughout the facility, with glass on all sides for increased access and visibility to all students. Within each space, teachers have desks, collaborative workspace and private meeting rooms.

Career and Technology Wing
A career and technology addition allowed the school district to provide comprehensive program offerings in a central location. Students have access to new programs, new technologies and new opportunities to learn in a highly professional space. Each classroom or lab was designed around program needs, including a new culinary arts studio, a new aviation workshop, a courtroom, a collegiate-style lecture hall and health science classrooms, among other programs.

In other learning spaces, furniture selections improved mobility and flexibility. Classrooms are easily re-arranged to transition between stand-and-deliver and project-based learning. For many, furniture is no longer an inhibitor to learning and allows for more creativity and deeper engagement between peers and between students and teachers.

Mar 01
0

Huckabee presenting at TASBO

By | News

Huckabee joins Granbury ISD to present “Furniture as a Learning Tool: Drawing Inspiration Beyond Education” at this year’s TASBO conference. The presentation will take place at 10:15 AM on March 2 at the Austin Convention Center. Our speakers include Amy Wood, Director of Technology Granbury ISD; Konrad Judd, our Director of Design; and Tami O’Neal, our Furniture Coordinator and Interior Designer.

Furniture as a Learning Tool: Drawing Inspiration Beyond Education

Furniture can make or break a learning environment. Its selection and use is key to creating an environment that engages learners, supports the profession of teaching and informs the use of the space. Looking beyond a traditional K-12 catalog, and seeking inspiration outside of education, increases value for students and teachers.

In Granbury ISD, the district used this approach to create huge impact for a major reconstruction of their high school—utilizing furniture and design to increase capacity, inspire collaboration, improve the professional environment for teachers and maximize the experience for students.

The district and design team discuss their approach and how they leveraged furniture and design choices as part of the renovation to deliver a 21st century educational environment for under $50 million.