Giving Compass' Take:

· Education Dive discusses the mixed result that open-plan schools have on educational outcomes and explains that although there have been some struggles in the process, this approach to learning allows for more collaboration among students and teachers. 

· How can schools ensure students have the independence they need to build skills? How can schools encourage collaboration among students? What are some benefits of open-plan schools?

· Read about this open-plan school in Denmark.

This open-plan concept touted looks attractive, and it very conducive to collaboration and student-led learning. However, it is not a new concept. It has been tried before in the United States, and it's gaining some popularity again in countries like Finland and Norway.

However, the idea has its share of critics. East Baltimore’s Henderson-Hopkins school, which opened in 2014 at a cost of $43 million, was modeled on a more open design. However, the design has proven not to improve educational outcomes or teacher turnover rates, and the noise levels have proved to be a distraction to many students. The acoustic issues, including distraction and strain on teacher voices, have been common complaints in many such designs and proved to have negative effects, especially for younger students. Many teachers struggle to adapt to not having their own defined spaces and adjusting to gaining student attention in an open plan. There is also a great deal of doubt as to whether the open plan benefits students academically in the long run.

Read the full article about open-plan schools by Amelia Harper at Education Dive.