What makes a learning commons different from a traditional library?

A learning commons gives students ownership over the space with flexible, movable furniture for both collaborative and individual work. It includes comfortable gathering areas for socialization, group project spaces with mobile whiteboards, and individual study carrels.

How should furniture be arranged in a high school learning commons?

Furniture should be lightweight and mobile to allow student-directed arrangements. Include collaborative tables that can accommodate team projects, stack chairs for easy storage and movement, study carrels for focused individual work, and comfortable soft seating areas.

What technology features are important for learning commons?

Essential technology features include power-enabled tables for device charging, grommet holes in study carrels for laptop use, accessible outlets throughout the space, and mobile furniture that doesn't interfere with technology use.

Learning Commons with Amoeba Tables

Student-Centered Learning Spaces

The learning commons offers students ownership over a large, central educational space that they can freely use for study, group projects, after-school club meetings, and socialization. The larger space accommodates a campfire arrangement, allowing even full-class activities to take place in a comfortable, informal environment. A learning commons should feature flexible, comfortable furnishings that students can move and arrange into large or small group configurations as needed.

What Makes a Great Learning Commons

For Students

The learning commons should feature comfortable seating and workspaces spread out across an open, inviting space. The seating and workspaces should be mobile or lightweight enough for students to move them into groups when needed. Easy access to outlets or charging ports allows devices to remain charged and ready for use.

For Teachers

The learning commons should include flexible furniture and comfortable seating that encourages students to spend more time there. Collaborative furniture should be flexible and easy to move so the student center can be used for group work or projects. Mobile writing surfaces assist teachers for large, full-class presentations. Storage areas should be accessible and easy to use, so supplies can be distributed and collected quickly.

For Administrators

Administrators require a learning commons that's furnished in a way that accomplishes the vision for the space as well as encourages students to use the space. All products should be available at the time they are needed and orders must arrive correctly and on time. Installations must be quick and efficient.

Flexible Learning and Collaboration Zones

Group Project Area

Stack chairs: Are constructed from durable, reinforced plastic that supports students as they lean back. The lightweight design makes it easy for students to pick them up and move them around the room. Stackable chairs are easy to store when they're not needed.
Collaborative tables: Feature spacious work surfaces that are still compact enough to allow team members to reach the materials they need for projects. The table shapes are designed to let all students see each other, giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate. Thick tabletops withstand heavy use, and laminate surfaces clean easily.
Mobile whiteboard easels: Can be easily rolled to workstations, so students can brainstorm and capture ideas on the fly. Two writing surfaces let students write down ideas or progressively disclose information when they want to present it. Easels can also be used to section off workspaces.
Bookcases: Give students access to the reference material they need for group projects or to complete individual assignments.

Individual Work Area

Study carrels: Feature high walls to reduce distractions, so students can study or work on papers without worrying over interruptions. Built-in grommet holes allow for the use of laptops or tablets.
Stack chairs: Are constructed from durable, reinforced plastic that supports students as they lean back. The lightweight design makes it easy for students to pick them up and move them around the room. Stackable chairs are easy to store when they're not needed.

Gathering Area

Soft seating: Is lightweight and easy to move, so students can quickly arrange themselves into groups as needed. Soft padding keeps users comfortable.
A power-enabled table: Gives students a place to charge devices as well as a work surface that's perfect for spreading out books, papers or other study materials.
Pedestal tables: Offer a spacious work area for students to spread out projects or study material during collaborative work. Their lightweight design makes it easy to move them into groups when needed.
Structured soft seating: Features a padded seat and back for maximum comfort, making these seats ideal for long collaboration or study sessions.

Choosing Your Learning Commons Solution

School Outfitters makes it simple to outfit a great learning commons. Choose the option that best fits your budget and needs and get an itemized quote with just one click, including all three of our specially-designed stations.

Our helpful representatives are happy to answer any questions about our stations and how you can put them to use in your learning commons. Just give us a call at 1-800-260-2776.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a learning commons different from a traditional library?: A learning commons gives students ownership over the space with flexible, movable furniture for both collaborative and individual work. It includes comfortable gathering areas for socialization, group project spaces with mobile whiteboards, and individual study carrels, all designed to accommodate various learning styles and activities.
How should furniture be arranged in a high school learning commons?: Furniture should be lightweight and mobile to allow student-directed arrangements. Include collaborative tables that can accommodate team projects, stack chairs for easy storage and movement, study carrels for focused individual work, and comfortable soft seating areas for informal collaboration and socializing.
What technology features are important for learning commons?: Essential technology features include power-enabled tables for device charging, grommet holes in study carrels for laptop use, accessible outlets throughout the space, and mobile furniture that doesn't interfere with technology use while allowing flexible space reconfiguration.