Some of the most often forgotten spaces in any institution of learning whether it’s a teaching hospital, a university or a corporate event center.  Lecture halls can lean towards the utilitarian, industrial look and that’s not what attracts people.  If your lecture halls have this look, it may be time for a little remodeling.

The basic, traditional design of a lecture hall comes from a very different time.  In the early days of education and training, the model was a little different.  The focus was entirely set on the presenter.  Perhaps he’d illustrate his points on a blackboard or have a visual aid on a work surface behind him, but the lecturer was where all eyes fell.

At this time, students we passive receivers of the information he had to impart so all they really needed was a seat and a writing surface.  Most of the seats were notably uncomfortable and the surfaces were often awkward.  Think about those little fold up, comma-shaped “desks” you may have once used in school.  They were a nightmare for left-handers and had little room even for right-handed folks.  Now imagine trying to navigate one of those while using a laptop or computer table and keyboard.  They have not improved with time!

The models for effective learning have changed and so has the furniture.  Social learning, where interaction and group thinking are valued, is now the model.  Instruction and learning opportunities are available in more places that just colleges and universities now as well.  Many corporations have on-site lecture halls for training and presentations, too.

It’s not just the teaching methods that have evolved.  Students and technology have undergone their own alterations as well.  Students are looking for learning opportunities that are a better fit for their own personal learning style.  They aren’t often taking notes with pen and paper anymore.  Students integrate technology into their learning and they need a proper surface to hold their devices, not a folding armrest.

To serve these need needs, your lecture hall furnishings may need an update.  For more interactive learning, try chairs that swivel 360 degrees.  They remain fixed for convenience but allow for movement at the same time.  Swing-away seating is a perfect solution.

Serve the technological crowd by adding power to the table tops.  Students or employees can plug in and not worry about their battery life ending before their class does.  Add modesty screens to the table fronts or leave them sleek and open.  The choice is yours.

Learning is taking new forms every day.  Make sure your learning spaces are staying current.v