this essay focuses on movement in a classroom matters. he mobility helps in my debate class where I have about 37 students,” Brown said. “We can get three debates on three different topics going at the same time by just rearranging the tables.
Students learn in a variety of settings and environments. Group learning creates an environment of engagement and motivation. It gives students a chance to learn from each other in a cooperative learning setting.
Part 1: Classroom Design
Based on your own research, select a digital tool or other appropriate strategy to create and design your own classroom. Your design should focus on group and cooperative learning in the classroom environment and include:
It helps in my debate class where I have about 37 students,” Brown said. “We can get three debates on three different topics going at the same time by just rearranging the tables. I can weave in and out, listening in, and then the kids rotate. More kids can participate. That couldn’t happen in a traditional classroom.”
The academy, known as MAST, is just one example of how schools are experimenting with classroom designs more conducive to the different ways students learn and, increasingly, the different ways teachers want to teach.
“Brain research tells us that movement in a classroom matters, choice matters,” said Robert Dillon, director of innovation for the University City school district in St. Louis, Missouri. His work consulting with districts and schools across the country on how to make the most of classroom redesigns has tripled in the past two years. “If kids don’t have these things, they will make these things happen,” he said. “They will be disruptive. They’ll get sent to the office. They’ll ask to go to the bathroom, just so they can have some space and the chance to move.”
Tuyler Sanford, 17, a student in Isha Brown’s literature class, said the classroom’s flexible setup “allows you to work at your own pace.” When students work in groups, he’s able to walk around and ask his fellow students for help. “It’s really communal,” he said. “The freedom is amazing.”