Innovative learning environments: a learning experience with in-service teachers

Abstract

ABSTRACT The challenges of modern society have led educators to reconceptualize formal learning spaces, into flexible spaces, imbued with technologies and active methodologies. To achieve this goal, a course was developed in an in-service teacher education Master program to support teachers in developing learning scenarios for innovative learning environments (ILEs). The aims of the current study are to understand the impact of this course on teachers’ preparation to create learning scenarios appropriate for ILEs, and on teachers’ perspectives about the potential benefits and challenges of ILEs. Twelve in-service teachers enrolled in the Master program participated in the study. Data collection included teachers’ assignments, learning scenarios and a survey. Results showed that developing learning scenarios had a positive influence on teachers’ perspectives toward ILEs. Specifically, the participants revealed that they had developed skills to elaborate, implement and assess learning scenarios in ILE; and to reflect on the contribution of ILEs to teaching innovation, to curricular management and to teachers’ practices. Moreover, the course improved their awareness about the importance of interdisciplinarity and teacher collaboration. These findings suggest that the skills developed by the teachers during the course could be mobilized for their practice due to their willingness to innovate in their schools.