Physical Language Learning Spaces in the Digital Age

The book explores the design of physical spaces for language learning and teaching, focusing on creating inclusive, accessible, safe, and equitable environments. It provides examples from language centers around the world and introduces readers to the practical aspects of design and architecture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The design of physical environments for language learning and teaching is a crucial aspect of creating inclusive, accessible, safe, and equitable learning spaces. While the Covid-19 pandemic has shifted focus towards online education, it has also highlighted the importance of human-to-human interaction in physical learning environments. This book explores the various aspects of designing physical spaces for language learning, including residential learning spaces, active classrooms, social and experiential spaces, zoom rooms, language centers, mobile community-based learning, and hybrid makerspaces.

Changing pedagogies and new technologies have opened up a wide range of alternatives to the traditional classroom, providing language learners and educators with more choices than ever before. The book aims to create new awareness of the affordances and benefits of physical spaces as active agents in the language learning and teaching processes.

To achieve this, the book takes a practical approach, introducing readers without any prior knowledge of design or architecture to the topic. It provides examples from language centers around the world, including Asia, Europe, and the United States, to demonstrate how to conceptualize and create supportive, resilient, flexible, inclusive, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and safe physical learning spaces.

The book is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing from research in disciplines such as architecture, learning spaces design, second language acquisition, pedagogy, history, and sociology. By integrating these diverse perspectives, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to successful language learning environments.

In conclusion, the design of physical environments for language learning and teaching is a complex and multifaceted process that requires careful consideration of various factors. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach and drawing from research in diverse disciplines, this book provides valuable insights and practical strategies for creating inclusive, accessible, safe, and equitable learning spaces.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350287150