Learning spaces were mentioned multiple times during the P20 Conference I attended this past week. The discussion focused around the idea that we should create learning spaces that are more authentic, comfortable, and allow for creativity. We were shown pictures of students sitting on large yoga balls, bean bags, and laying on the floor while working. One of the sessions focused on the idea of caves, campfires, and watering holes shared by the ISTE after a study tour in Australia. Caves are an area for students to work when they need to have quiet to think and work alone. Campfires are for students to share their work, discuss, and collaborate. The watering hole is where students come for instruction, whether that be to the teacher, a video, or text. To learn more about this idea, check out this short article.
http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1015175.pdf
What do you think? Should we try to change our learning environments and get rid of desks in straight rows? What does your learning environment look like? To what extent do you think learning environments impact student achievement?
I've always been a fan of designing the perfect classroom space for my students to learn and grow and enjoyed reading the article you provided about the schools in Australia experimenting with their spaces. The cave, campfire, watering hole, and experimental seating seem like great ideas to implement either in the classroom or school wide to meet the needs of students. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be really cool to have spaces representing each of these types of learning throughout the entire school!
DeleteEven if this weren't implemented in a single classroom, it might also be useful to keep in mind when designing instruction generally. Include a portion where the student is given information from a source ("campfire"), a place to discuss the information with peers ("watering hole"), and a place to reflect privately ("caves"). I also find it interesting that a blog could fit any of these roles.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point. I love the thought of teachers trying to incorporate these into each lesson. And great job relating it to blogs. I hadn't really thought about blogs in that light, but you are right. I am finding that blogs can serve more purposes than I had previously thought.
DeleteI have to say that I like the fact that they gave the different spaces culturally relevant names.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think the names make them easier for student to remember and relate to. I am thinking it would be fun to incorporate this concept in my own school, but change the names to something more relevant to us. Our mascot is a Spartan, so I am considering Greek names? I haven't decided yet, but I am loving the idea.
DeleteWhat a great idea! I especially love the cave and the campfire because it provides a quick yet meaningful visual of what students go do there. I have been a fan of flexible seating and comfortable learning spaces but I have not been able to get rid of my collaborative group tables. Maybe one day... I simply keep the new ideas that have worked for my students and balance it all out. Right now, students are allowed to seat wherever they would like with whomever they would like as long as it helps them learn but I do ask them to take seat the certain tables for lectures or group practice (because I really value collaborative work). So I guess my answer to your question is that different types of learning environments fulfill different student needs in their academic journey. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI think the visuals that come with each name are what makes these learning spaces a little different and such a great idea. I definitely think every teacher has to find what works for them and their students, but I think it is important for teachers to be willing to try new things and like you said, keep what works and throw out what doesn't. It sounds like you do a great job of this in your own classroom.
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