Social Brain Goes to School

Social Brain Goes to School: How Relationships Power Learning

socializing. Implicit design elements play a crucial role in cultivating a caring learning community, strengthening peer relationships, and enhancing youth-adult connections. By creating inviting and welcoming common areas, schools can encourage students and adults to engage in meaningful conversations and forge deeper connections. The strategic use of design elements throughout the cam- pus not only supports academic growth but also nurtures essential social skills. Here are three effective design elements in the PreK-12 environment: 24 • Interspersing formal and informal learn- ing spaces throughout the school promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and expands the agility of space for multiple learning expe- riences. Interactive spaces encourage stu- dent connection and provide spatial choices, noticeable by the enthusiastic collaborative hum of student voices that resonates through- out the campus community. • Common areas can be organized with design principles that inspire highly engaging public spaces. Central open areas serve as hubs for different group sizes and interactions, facili - tating dynamic activities. The edges of these spaces offer multiple options for small groups of students to find their own safe spaces and forge relationships. Carefully designed for interaction, furnishings provide users with ample choices to select the right spot for their intended purpose and level of focus, fostering a sense of community, curiosity, and collabo- ration. • Flexible, dynamic, and vibrant furnishings play a powerful role in shaping socialization expectations. Innovative designs maximize

opportunities for peer and teacher interac- tion, inviting learner communication and col- laboration. Informal peer-centric spaces pro- vide choices through a variety of comfortable, ergonomic seating options and work surfaces, including soft seating and standing tables. These spaces are designed to welcome learn- ers for co-construction and creative applica- tion of knowledge, casual and comfortable conversations, relaxation, and engaging pre- sentations and performances. By thoughtfully considering the flow and lay - out of space, we can naturally promote social engagement and create an atmosphere where students feel at ease initiating interactions and building relationships. The design of the campus becomes a catalyst for socialization, enriching the overall learning experience.

Our Path to Bright Student Futures

Our Social Brain is a remarkable gift that shapes the fabric of our lives. By embracing and comprehending its unique capabilities, we open doors to enhanced student learning, belonging and well-being. “Sticky” learning is our key to creating learning experiences that accelerate motivation and engagement of our learners. The more richly we experience information using our social brains, the more neural pathways are worn, the more deeply we remember. Purposefully-designed and affirming learning environments support a profoundly human approach to learning, nudging relationships. Essentially, learning is the residue of experi- ence. 25