Steelcase Education To Award Active Learning Classrooms To Innovative Schools And Universities

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Steelcase Education announced today a new grant program to provide active learning spaces to schools across North America. The Active Learning Center (ALC) grant program enables educators to implement active learning initiatives by leveraging physical classroom space. A selection of schools will be chosen to receive a new classroom design based on active learning research with Steelcase furniture and technology.

Applicants to the program will be asked to describe their approach to active learning and how a new classroom will positively impact teaching, learning and support active pedagogies. Grantees will be selected based on their commitment to active learning strategies, how they will measure success and how they will share their learnings with the broader education community.

Steelcase Education is accepting grant proposals now through the end of February 2015. Grades six through twelve and college and university classrooms are eligible. Grantees will have the opportunity to install one of three Steelcase learning environments: a Verb classroom, a Node classroom or a blended learning classroom.

Research has shown that active learning environments positively impact student engagement. With these new classrooms grantees will be able to utilize a flexible learning space that allows educators to further explore the capabilities of an environment built specifically for improved engagement and collaboration.

"Classrooms are a strategic tool educators can use to produce better outcomes for their students," said Sean Corcorran, General Manager of Steelcase Education. "At Steelcase, we're committed to promoting an active learning ecosystem. That's why we are introducing the Active Learning Center grant program to innovative educators nationwide. We want to equip them with the tools they need to help students thrive in the classroom."

The Active Learning Center program was first piloted at schools including Philadelphia University, Clintondale High School in Clintondale, MI and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

"With the unique and thoughtful integration of a flexible environment, state-of-the-art technology and pedagogy, these new classrooms leverage our professors' strengths and facilitate the ability of students and faculty to share ideas and collaborate more effectively," said Stephen Spinelli Jr., President of Philadelphia University.

In addition to receiving a new classroom, grantees will receive training from Steelcase leaders on the uses of the technology and furniture in their new spaces. Over the two year program, Steelcase will also evaluate student and educator engagement in the newly designed spaces using Steelcase's Active Learning Post Occupancy Evaluation. Grantees will also participate in a community of practice with all awarded schools to share insights and best practices.

The deadline to apply to the Active Learning Center program is February 27, 2015. Grantees will be announced in April 2015.

Steelcase Education
As lifelong learners, Steelcase Education aims to make a difference in education. For students, educators and designers, the organization creates the most effective, rewarding and inspiring learning spaces. As a dedicated group within Steelcase exclusively focused on education, it brings evidence-based design, technology and innovative solutions to education environments, wherever learning happens.

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SOURCE Steelcase Education

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