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Given growing systemic investment in the designing of new learning spaces, researching the relationships between physical space and learning and teaching processes is imperative. Researching innovative learning spaces is challenging, therefore the aim of this paper is to demonstrate a pedagogical characterization based on a three‐dimensional theoretical framework. The study presented here includes three schools in the process of implementing a constructivist pedagogical change involving gradual development of educational intiatives including the redesigning of learning spaces. We characterized learning environments by space, pedagogical practices and curricular potential and explored the relationships between space, active learning and the development of high‐order thinking skills (HOT). Characterization of teaching and learning processes was based on interviews with 12 teachers, 478 class observations and analysis of 307 learning tasks. The findings indicate a higher expression of active learning in the innovative learning spaces compared with the traditional spaces. Nevertheless, results demonstrated difficulties in designing constructivist learning tasks and developing HOT skills, with relatively low encouragement for problem solving skills and critical thinking. Learning tasks were characterized by low cognitive complexity. This study provides a new methodology for investigating teaching and learning processes in innovative learning spaces.

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The design of university training programs affects academic outcomes therefore, exploring the various design components in the academic program is important. The study explored how participating in a co-teaching-based professional development program (PDP) affects novice teachers' self-efficacy, their attitudes toward the profession, and their application of pedagogical practices; and measured the correlation between self-efficacy and attitudes and how it is influenced by the application of pedagogical practices. We used a questionnaire answered by 300 novice teachers and interviews with 15 teachers who participated during their academic studies in the co-teaching-based PDP. The results indicated a higher sense of self-efficacy and attitudes toward the profession among teachers who participated in the co-teaching-based PDP. The relationship between teachers' self-efficacy and attitudes was partially mediated by six pedagogical applications. The findings provide insights on designing PDP that may contribute to ameliorating the entrance of novice teachers into the teaching profession with teaching skills that will sustain over time.