| Lessons learned from environmental psychology research conducted over the past 40 years should be applied to classroom design to enhance creative problem-solving skills in students. These skills are believed to be the primary indicator of success in today's information age economy.; Research by environmental psychologists, including Ann Taylor, Paul Gump and Carol Simon Weinstein, who have defined how the physical environment impacts learning and other skill development associated with creative problem-solving, will be reviewed and used to develop a list of design criteria for learning spaces.; Classroom areas should contain: a blend of large group, small group and individual spaces, flexible classroom layouts that encourage discussion and participation in addition to the traditional lecture-style room, colors geared toward the subject being taught, an aesthetically pleasing and unusual environment to stimulate creativity, and specialized spaces to encourage specific creative and cognitive skills. There should be plants in the classroom and a nature area on the school grounds to reduce stress and improve creativity.; A set of design criteria based on environmental psychology will be developed to create a new model for classrooms. This new model will allow for students to develop the creative problem-solving skills that are needed in today's business environment. |
