In this course, learn how to make school-age learning spaces work well. Review quality space criteria. Reflect on and analyze current OST space and offerings. Gain confidence to design spaces, different from school, that are flexible and reflect the youth’s voice, spaces that appeal to a diverse range of youth, spaces that spark interest and invite engagement. Adjust environmental elements to accommodate youth with a range of sensitivities. (2 hours)
A bookshelf repurposed as a bench, and another group has combined chairs and other things to create an elaborate structure.
View the course for free in On Demand
In this course, OST staff will learn how to set up learning spaces that work. They will:
- Reflect on and evaluate the effectiveness of current materials and spaces to meet stated student/program goals and quality standards while nurturing curiosity and innovation, developing life and leadership skills, and attuning to sensitivities and cultural preferences of a diverse student population
- Learn ways to include youth input in the design and use of space and choice of materials
- Brainstorm solutions for shared space, mixed-age, and other OST environment challenges
- Generate an "A-HA!" moment (a new thought that challenges the "I already tried that; it didn't work" attitude)
