Making your classroom a community of learners by Mario Arana
Bonwell and Eison (1991) defined active learning as any learning strategy that involves “students doing things, and thinking about the things they are doing” (p. 2). Characteristics of active learning strategies include: students are involved in more than listening, are encouraged to share thoughts and values, and are asked to engage in higher order thinking such as analysis and synthesis rather than memorization (Bonwell & Eison). Instructional strategies that promote active learning include small group discussion, peer questioning, cooperative learning, problem-based learning, simulations, journal writing, and case-study teaching, among others (Barkley, 2010; Prince, 2004). Edgerton (1997) refers to active learning strategies as “pedagogies of engagement” (p. 36); practices that encourage greater understanding and transfer of knowledge.
Meta analyses of research studies from the learning sciences and educational psychology have demonstrated that active learning approaches, in comparison to more passive, teaching-center approaches, lead to greater engagement that subsequently lead to increased student learning (see, for example: Freeman et al., 2014; Hake, 1997; Michael, 2006; Prince, 2004). 
Barkley (2010) defines student engagement as “a process and a product that is experienced on a continuum and results from the synergistic interaction between motivation and active learning” (p. 8). Barkley states classroom environments create synergy between active learning and motivation by (a) “creating a sense of classroom community”, (b) “helping students work at their optimal level of challenge”, and (c) “teaching so that students learn holistically” (pp. 24-38). Classroom design is a significant factor that can either hinder or promote student engagement. 
So what exactly is a student-centered classroom? In short, a student-centered classroom is one where the focus of instruction is shifted from the teacher to the student, with the end goal of developing students who are independent learners, by placing the responsibility of learning in the hands of the students. A student-centered classroom it’s not simply moving around your chairs to create a flexible seating; it’s creating a classroom that works for all stakeholders. 
Here are some ideas to design a student-centered classroom. 
Flexible seating
Varied furniture
Comfortable spaces
Work-stations options 
Easy access to resources
Make room for “untraditional spaces” that let the creative juices flow. Add innovative reading nooks or areas equipped with comfortable seating where students can congregate. And consider “giving classroom walls to your kids,” advises high school teacher Nicholas Provenzano, by hanging up huge, flexible dry erase boards. Or paint the top of students’ desks with dry-erase paint. 
What are the effects of classroom design that promote active learning?
Open space affords movement and interaction. 
Audiovisual tools increased engagement by helping students to work at their optimal level of challenge.
Tools afford assessing for understanding
Tools afford visualizing thinking (ideas visible)
Conclusion
Current educational research has demonstrated the importance of active learning methods in improving student engagement and learning. In order for students to do more and think more about what they're doing, the physical set up of the classroom must promote active learning. This will increase student learning and a sense of community where learners and teachers are both important in the learning process.
References 
2021. The Room Itself Is Active: How Classroom Design Impacts Student Engagement. 1st ed. [ebook] Journal of Learning Spaces, pp.2-7. Available at: <https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1152568.pdf> [Accessed 18 March 2021].
ASCD Inservice. 2021. Six Design Tips for a Student-Centered Classroom - ASCD Inservice. [online] Available at: <https://inservice.ascd.org/six-design-tips-for-a-student-centered-classroom/> [Accessed 18 March 2021].
Educationcorner.com. 2021. Developing a Student-centered Classroom. [online] Available at: <https://www.educationcorner.com/developing-a-student-centered-classroom.html> [Accessed 18 March 2021].

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