Learning Environments: Exemplar A4

Standard: Designing Learning Environments to Support Participatory Learning

Theme: Designing for a Collaborative Physical LLC

Growth Phase: Leading

Growth Indicator: Physical LLC spaces invite networking and participatory learning opportunities within and beyond the school.


A school librarian specialist, consultant, and architectural coordinator in Ontario present a comprehensive web site for designing for teens in the physical school library learning commons.

Brooks Kirkland, Anita, Koechlin, Carol & Di Sabatino, Sofia. (2013). Teen territories: Creating their special spaces in libraries.
https://sites.google.com/site/teenterritories/home


This Ottawa elementary school re-designed the physical layout and programs in the school based on new approaches to learning and innovation including a re-design of the library to learning commons. Students and staff engage in inquiry learning both inside and outside of the classroom.

D’Amico, T., Oliver, S., & Chrystal, F. (2016, September 29). Building a Future-Ready School [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.edcan.ca/articles/building-a-future-ready-school/