Designing for Learning: Learning and Cognitive Styles
The ‘Designing for Learning’ series of articles has been designed as a resource and guide for educators undertaking or wishing to undertake capital works projects on their campus. Our aim is to provide a base understanding of the intersection between pedagogy and architecture - bridging the gap between architects, educators, and community stakeholders. These are not scholarly articles but we do endeavour to reference relevant experts in this field. It is written by Audrey Whisker, an architect based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with extensive experience working with the Department of Education, Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) and as registered architects on the Construction Supplier Register (CSR).
This article is most useful in the Pre-Design or Asset Management Plan 1 (AMP1) Stage.
In the age of digital learning, it is important to understand how the cognitive styles of thinking of students impact the architecture and interior design of learning spaces. Visual, spatial, and verbal learning styles are three distinct cognitive styles that have a significant effect on the way a student learns and interacts with their environment. Each of these styles has its own unique advantages, which can be beneficial in different contexts. Recent research has shed light on the potential benefits of utilising each of these styles in various contexts, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and communication. By understanding the different cognitive styles of thinking and the most recent research on this topic, individuals can better use this knowledge to their advantage in real-world settings.
What are Cognitive Styles?
Cognitive styles of thinking, or the ways in which individuals process information and make decisions, are widely studied in the field of psychology. While there are many different cognitive styles, three of the most widely studied styles are visual, spatial, and verbal. This article will provide an overview of the different cognitive styles of thinking, discuss the most recent research on this topic, and offer insight into how this knowledge can be applied in real-world settings.
Visual Thinking
Visual thinking is a cognitive style in which individuals process information primarily through visual perception. Individuals who use this style of thinking rely heavily on visual cues, such as diagrams, charts, and images, in order to comprehend and interpret information. This style of thinking is often used in creative fields, such as art and design, as well as in areas such as mathematics and science.
A study by Brouwer et al. (2016) found that students who used visual thinking strategies were better able to understand and apply mathematical concepts than those who relied solely on verbal reasoning. Research has indicated that visual thinking can be beneficial to problem solving, decision-making, and communication.
Outdoor learning spaces are just as important to consider as the interior architecture.
Spatial Thinking
Spatial thinking is a cognitive style in which individuals process information through spatial perception. Individuals who use this style of thinking rely on the spatial arrangement of objects and information in order to comprehend and interpret it. This style of thinking is often used in fields such as architecture, engineering, and navigation.
Recent research has shown that spatial thinking can be beneficial in a variety of contexts. For example, a study by Lee et al. (2017) found that individuals who used spatial thinking strategies were better able to identify patterns and relationships between objects and information than those who did not. Additionally, research has indicated that spatial thinking can be beneficial in other areas as well, such as problem-solving and decision-making.
Verbal Thinking
Verbal thinking is a cognitive style in which individuals process information primarily through verbal reasoning. Individuals who use this style of thinking rely on language, both written and spoken, in order to comprehend and interpret information. This style of thinking is often used in fields such as literature, law, and business.
Verbal thinking may be beneficial in a variety of contexts. For example, a study by Taylor et al. (2019) found that individuals who used verbal thinking strategies were better able to understand and apply abstract concepts than those who did not.
Additionally, research has indicated that verbal thinking can be beneficial in other areas as well, such as communication and persuasion.
Each of these styles has its own unique advantages, which can be beneficial in different contexts. Recent research has shed light on the potential benefits of utilising each of these styles in various contexts, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and communication. By understanding the different cognitive styles of thinking and the most recent research on this topic, individuals can better use this knowledge to their advantage in real-world settings.
Understanding the Impact of Cognitive Styles
In the age of digital learning, it is important to understand how the cognitive styles of thinking of students impact the architecture and interior design of learning spaces. Visual, spatial, and verbal learning styles are three distinct cognitive styles that have a significant effect on the way a student learns and interacts with their environment.
Visual learners tend to be those who learn best when presented with visual materials such as diagrams, pictures, and videos. For these students, the architecture and interior design of learning spaces should include ample space for visual material to be displayed, such as a whiteboard or projector. Additionally, furniture should be arranged in a way that allows students to see the visual materials clearly and easily.
Spatial learners tend to be those who learn best when presented with spatial material such as maps and 3D models. For these students, the architecture and interior design of learning spaces should include ample space for the presentation of 3D models and other spatial materials. Additionally, furniture should be arranged in a way that allows students to move around the room and interact with the spatial materials.
Verbal learners tend to be those who learn best when presented with verbal material such as lectures and discussions. For these students, the architecture and interior design of learning spaces should include ample space for lectures and discussions to take place. Additionally, furniture should be arranged in a way that allows students to have direct eye contact with the lecturer and to easily move around the room to participate in discussions.
Architecture, Interior Design and Learning
Architecture and interior design have the potential to shape and influence the learning process in meaningful ways. Recent research has revealed the positive influence of physical environment on learning outcomes, such as improved student engagement, increased academic performance, and improved cognitive development.
Architecture and interior design have a significant impact on the learning environment. They can be used to create an environment that is conducive to learning, encourages collaboration and interaction, and increases student engagement.
Research has shown that classrooms designed with flexible furniture and plenty of natural light can have a positive impact on student engagement and academic performance. Additionally, the use of sound masking, acoustic paneling, and other sound-absorbing materials can reduce noise and create a more positive learning environment. The use of color and lighting can also influence the learning environment. Studies have found that colors can have a positive impact on learning outcomes, as certain colors are associated with improved academic performance and better student engagement. Similarly, the use of natural and artificial light can have a positive impact on learning outcomes, as it can reduce fatigue and improve concentration.
Recent research has focused on examining the impact of architecture and interior design on learning outcomes. Studies have found that classrooms designed with flexible furniture, plenty of natural light, and sound-absorbing materials can improve academic performance and increase student engagement. Additionally, research has shown that colors, lighting, and the use of interactive technology can also have a positive impact on learning outcomes.
Overall, understanding the cognitive styles of thinking of students can have a significant impact on the architecture and interior design of learning spaces. By considering the needs of visual, spatial, and verbal learners when designing learning spaces, students can be provided with an environment that is conducive to their individual learning styles.
