National Office Furniture, a unit of Kimball International, Inc., releases a White Paper focused on the learning styles of the two generations that can be found in today’s classrooms. Throughout this White Paper, the physical and psychological needs of the Millennial generation and Generation Z are addressed, including key information on designing furniture solutions that support these preferences.

The White Paper, titled Harry and Katniss in the Classroom, explores how the heroes of the Harry Potter and Hunger Games books and movies have impacted preferences regarding learning spaces and pedagogies. Just like Harry and Katniss, both Millennials and Gen Zs enjoy working in teams and making group decisions. This desire for teamwork and camaraderie drives their need for learning spaces that are designed to encourage collaboration. Flexible and mobile furnishings, as well as tech-savvy solutions are also essential to satisfying the expectations of these generations.

While Millennials are generally optimistic, their upbringing by “helicopter” parents have ensured that their opinions are heard, and they are meant to feel special. For them, this mindset carries over into the learning realm. Members of Gen Z embrace a culture of “making”, drawing a need for Makerspaces to be added to learning facilities, allowing students to tinker, design, and invent. Drawing upon the insights offered in the White Paper, 21st Century classrooms can successfully be designed with these generations, and future generations in mind.

“Understanding the heroes and stories that inspire students of the Millennial and Generation Z groups can help educators and facility professionals create environments which inspire and energize the learners of today,” said Lisa Schmidt, National’s Director of Strategic Initiatives.

To read the White Paper, Harry and Katniss in the Classroom, visit http://bit.ly/HarryKatnissWhitePaper_National.

For additional information about National’s solutions for Education Spaces, visit http://bit.ly/NationalEducation.

About National Office Furniture:
National Office Furniture, a brand unit of Kimball International, Inc. (NASDAQ: KBAL), is a Jasper, Indiana-based manufacturer of high-quality office furnishings. Since 1980, National has built a reputation for excellence with stylish furniture of exceptional value; a dedication to personalized service; product designs that reflect a passion for the user’s comfort and productivity; and a commitment to environmental responsibility. National operates facilities in Santa Claus and Jasper, IN; and Fordsville and Danville, KY. Corporate showrooms are located in Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Washington D.C., and Markham, ON. For more information about National and its products, visit www.NationalOfficeFurniture.com.