contemporary+learning+environment

Contemporary Learning Environment

classroom environment - no students - layout



classroom environment - students





I have changed the classroom setup from groups of tables to a square whole class table set up. I did this because the class often wants to know what each other is doing and move around to see. In this setup they do not need to yell at someone across the room but can hold meaningful conversations in manageable voice levels and talk about what they are doing. It also allows for them to move around and be close to each other.

16/7/08 Now that the unit is completed, it is interesting to go back and reflect on how the classroom affected the learning. I have found with the table set up that the students chose to move their seats around so that they could sit opposite each other and see what their group members were doing. This was a big step for the students as they made the choice to do it, I didn't. When they were working independently, they often would put the seats back so most of them were facing each other. They also chose set seats in that when they weren't working in groups, they would move back to that seat. The reflection starters on the wall have also benefitted the students in that they can go up and pull them off when they need to use them. They know exactly where everything is and don't need to ask all the time for resources. There was also plenty of room for the students to stand and move around when both grades were working together. They all had they own space and could choose to work at the tables or on the floor.