Practical learning encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, from experiments to fieldwork, projects, performances, and exhibitions, all taking place in dedicated spaces such as laboratories, studios, and workshops. However, practical learning often takes a back seat to academic learning, perpetuating a false divide between theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. This discrepancy is particularly evident in STEM subjects such as engineering and science, where practical skills are indispensable, yet educational systems worldwide are failing to adequately prepare students for careers in STEM industries.
In the UK, there is a shortage of engineers, with just 46% of companies confident they will find the talent they require (Engineering UK, 2018). This shortage is exacerbated by various factors, including outdated perceptions of engineering, declining apprenticeships, an ageing workforce, and economic factors affecting entry-level positions. Recent reports underscore the importance of hands-on professional development experiences, revealing that students engaged in such courses are 70% more likely to develop essential problem-solving skills (NESTA, 2017). There’s a growing consensus among experts that education reform is necessary to address the lack of creative and practical skills in the workforce, especially considering the challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Moreover, with the rise of digital technologies, gaining and maintaining practical skills has become increasingly important. Despite concerns about job displacement due to automation, there are also opportunities for job creation. As the job market changes, with 65% of children likely to work in jobs that do not exist today (World Economic Forum, 2017), providing students with practical skills becomes not only a preference but a requirement. Therefore, schools must prioritise practical learning experiences and make improvements to their facilities to meet the demands of the future workforce.
Reframing Practical Learning in Secondary Schools Though Furniture
As Engineering UK has pointed out, there is an urgent need for educational institutions to provide more practical courses to address the critical shortage of engineers in the UK. Research repeatedly shows that practical learning increases important learning characteristics such as determination, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities. According to the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts (NESTA), collaborative problem-solving, as established through practical courses, is critical for improving learning outcomes and preparing students for the difficulties of the future workplace.
Furthermore, practical courses provide students with a path to career flexibility by educating them with transferable skills that are useful across a variety of industries. The World Economic Forum highlights the value of talents such as creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork in navigating a quickly changing job market. By providing practical training, schools may ensure that students are well-prepared to adapt to changing employment options in the digital age.
To effectively encourage students to attend practical courses, researchers and organisations urge schools to upgrade their lab furniture. Research has proven that children thrive in interesting and inspiring learning environments. Schools may be much more than just places to learn if they are well-designed. They can be utilised to enhance the educational experience of both students and teachers.
Modernising lab furniture requires investing in ergonomic, adaptable equipment that allows for a wide range of practical tasks. Adjustable tables, ergonomic chairs, and flexible workstations can accommodate a wide range of learning styles, enhancing student engagement and participation.
An advantage of upgrading a learning environment with school furniture is that there is often flexibility to do so as either part of a capital project, or from the revenue budget by replacing a smaller batch of tables at a time.
Case Studies
1. Switching the focus from lectures to experiential co-working
St Stephen’s RC and St Bartholomew’s C of E primary schools in North Tyneside embarked on an ambitious project of integrating into one new-built school site, with the goal of maximising space while reducing expenses.
Recognising the importance of flexibility in learning spaces, the schools opted for single pupil ‘wedge’ shaped tables that could be easily configured into various arrangements to accommodate different activities. Additionally, they also included adjustable step seating, which provides flexibility for meetings and events in the multipurpose hall area. When outfitting school facilities, the school emphasised the need to think ahead and urged schools to take into consideration the breadth of activities they may want to engage in both the present and the future.
This case study highlighted how important it is to choose furniture carefully in order to create spaces that are favourable to learning. Schools may effectively manage the issues given by restricted space and develop ideal learning experiences for their students by placing a high priority on flexibility, functionality, and the holistic requirements of their students.
Schools can now educate students for jobs in the real world by shifting away from traditional teaching layouts and into an environment akin to higher education. Students now have more control over their learning, and there is a definite shift away from the teacher as the main point at the front of the classroom. This is a huge transition that is fuelled by the curriculum but also facilitated to be future-proof for more new technology in the near future. [Source – Newcastle Chronicle]
2. Sixth Form College Lab Challenge
Based on years of workbench experience in the education sector, Rhino outlined a typical challenge that is frequently faced. A college customer is facing a crucial challenge in updating its laboratory infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of practical education. They needed a solution that would accommodate the needs of several courses, with differing bench and equipment layout needs throughout the year. Some desks had to remain in place to pair with fixed equipment, such as electrical sockets, sinks, and machinery. Beyond this constraint, more flexibility was needed to provide for various teaching methods, including individual experiments, larger group work, tutor demonstrations and theoretical self-study work. The goal was to future-proof the labs, ensuring they could adapt to changing needs while fostering a dynamic learning environment for all students.
Solution
To address these challenges, Rhino collaborated with an educational fit-out contractor to design and install a bespoke solution tailored to their requirements. The solution comprised a combination of fixed and wheeled lab benches, strategically arranged to optimise space-flexibility and functionality. Rhino Heavy Duty Static Lab Bench Tables were installed to accommodate essential equipment and utilities, such as electrical sockets and sinks. Positioned strategically around the perimeter of the lab, they provided a stable foundation for machinery and facilitated easy access to utilities.
Rhino Heavy Duty Mobile Lab Bench Tables introduced a new level of flexibility to the lab space. These mobile workstations could be easily reconfigured to suit different teaching scenarios, allowing for seamless transitions between practical experiments and academic lectures. Equipped with braked castors, the wheeled benches offered stability during use and safety when stationary.
Multi-Use Classrooms: By incorporating both fixed and wheeled benches, the college transformed its traditional lab workshops into multi-use classrooms. This versatility enabled educators to adapt the space to accommodate various teaching methods, catering to the diverse learning styles of students. Whether conducting experiments, engaging in group discussions, or delivering lectures, the classrooms could be configured to meet the specific needs of each session.
Results
The implementation of the new lab furniture had a significant impact on the college’s practical courses, resulting in several key outcomes:
Increased Student Engagement: The dynamic and adaptable learning environment fostered by the flexible lab furniture captured the interest of students, leading to higher levels of engagement during practical sessions. The ability to participate actively in experiments and collaborate with peers enhanced the learning experience and stimulated curiosity.
Improved Teaching Flexibility: Educators benefited from the versatility of multi-use classrooms, gaining the flexibility to tailor their teaching methods to the needs of individual students and curriculum requirements. The seamless transition between practical and academic work facilitated more comprehensive learning experiences and supported the delivery of high-quality education.
Enhanced Course Attractiveness: The modernisation of the lab facilities, coupled with the innovative use of flexible furniture, bolstered the college’s position in practical and scientific subjects. Prospective students are attracted to the prospect of hands-on learning in a modern and dynamic environment, leading to increased enrolment in science and technology courses.
Transforming Learning Spaces: Rhino Lab Bench Tables for Educational Institutions
Rhino Lab Bench Tables offer a cutting-edge solution to modernise educational spaces, elevate the learning experience and foster a culture of innovation that fits the safety standards and regulations that UK schools must adhere to regarding workspaces. Designed with durability and flexibility in mind, Rhino Lab Bench Tables provide students with a sturdy and adaptable platform for conducting experiments, collaborative projects, and hands-on learning activities. Featuring adjustable height options, integrated storage solutions, and durable construction.
The robust Mobile Lab Bench Table comes equipped with lockable castors, allowing you to rearrange your space with ease. Meanwhile, the Static Lab Bench Table offers stability and support, perfect for focused study sessions and intricate projects. Additionally, educational environments can often be noisy, which can be distracting for students and educators alike. Rhino’s lab bench tables can be supplied with noise and shock-absorbing surface mats featuring noise-absorbing materials, creating serene learning environments where focus thrives and distractions fade into the background, resulting in a more focused and conducive learning environment.
Rhino’s years of experience in workbench supply has resulted in a robust, practical version specifically for labs and education. Open fronts on all bench sizes allow for chairs or stools to be used easily. The bench comes as standard with a hard-wearing, scratch and chemical-resistant high-pressure laminate top by Trespa®, and is available in a variety of sizes, up to a massive 2.44m x 1.22m. The commitment to innovation, choice and quality has earned wide respect for all versions of Rhino benches.
The specification of high-quality, adaptable school furniture highlights the importance of learning for students, instructors, and the community. Well-designed and sturdy furniture and fittings can encourage high levels of positive engagement, assisting in the achievement of educational excellence.
