Why I like the above image: It’s one think to create…another to implement. (Somewhat random thought.)

Once again, I find myself hard-pressed to extract a “creative process” out of my normal way of existing.  However, I offer this tangent to this conversation: For our students, how are we creating spaces for them to do their best work?  If they are those in need of natural light, or high ceilings, and pops of color, then in many spaces we have indeed failed to provide what they need–just as the same spaces have failed to provide a “zen” environment for many of you.

Can we work on that?

Can we stop putting uncomfortable chairs in every room?  Can we stop expecting them to face forward?  Can we give assignments that allow them to  disperse to natural light, and then come back.  Can we change locales to incite collaboration and creativity.  Just because these things are not my needs; that doesn’t mean that I see any less value in the reality that the posts of my colleagues elude to the fact that these are needs.

K12 is encouraged to create spaces that are most conducive to learning–and many do so out of their own pockets; why could not the same concept of  room assignments be applied in Higher Ed?  Yes, I realize that there would be difficulties, but not if the rooms are assigned by department.

Oops! There I go innovating again.  My fellow Fellows inspire me.  But I digress…

Below are examples of classrooms on www.Pinterest.com attempting to give students what they need…and apparently, what many of you need as educators and administrators desiring to create, innovate, and collaborate.