The Effect of a Stimulating Learning Environment on Pre-Service Teachers’ Motivation and 21st Century Skills

Abstract

We investigated the effect of an innovative technology-supported learning environment on pre-service student teachers’ motivation and 21st century skills. Students and instructors filled-in the Active Learning Post Occupancy Evaluation (AL-POE) questionnaire. Analysis included tests for individual items and a comparison of the overall mean, composite differences between pre- and post- occupation of the new classes. Over 80% reported high increase in creativity, motivation, ability to get higher grades and engagement in class while studying in the new learning environment. They gave significantly higher evaluations for practices and solutions in the new vs. traditional classrooms and perceived working there adequately and better, on many of the 21st century skills. Therefore, learning environment plays an important role in preparing pre-service teachers.