Considering Learners’ Perceptions in Designing Effective 21st Century Learning Environments for Basic Education in Finland

Abstract

Focusing on so called Key Competences or 21st Century Skills urges educational organizations to redesign their psychosocial and physical learning environments. Inspired by studies indicating that considering learners’ perceptions of learning environments can have a positive impact on learning and wellbeing, our study aims at developing design principles for involving learners in the learning environment design. This pilot case study analyzed 7- to 14-years old Finns’ (n = 80) perceptions by using web questionnaires and design workshops. The results are in line with research indicating that Finnish learners value aspects such as safety and peacefulness, the possibilities for rest and physical activity, the presence of nature, and good social relations. They also value versatile, personally meaningful and collaborative learning situations, including both traditional and novel tools and spaces for learning. The study offers educational administrators tools and data for redesigning learning environments.