Learning Spaces

In this chapter, we focus on learning spaces and their importance to our developing practice. But what do we mean by the learning space? What kinds of learning spaces are most likely to promote learning? A learning space is far from an easy thing to define. Educational spaces intersect with other spaces, shifting and constantly evolving. These spaces are experienced differently. The space is not neutral, it creates different power relations within it, and it is influenced by histories, expectations, bodies, affects and so on. It is also a space where power relations, and the expectations we have, become enacted. This chapter explores these notions and argues for a broadening of our conception of space. Through consideration of the complexity of learning spaces, we encourage readers to think about the spaces in which we teach in new ways that can help us to adapt and rethink how we connect with our students.