Why We Don't Need Walls (Just Walls) in Classrooms
PAULA MILLS
Award Winning Impact Entrepreneur in Australia, Global Speaker, Investor & Honorary Consul of Guatemala
For generations, classrooms have been defined by their four walls, bulletin boards overflowing with information, and designated areas for specific subjects. But in today's ever-evolving educational landscape, are these traditional walls hindering the learning experience? Let's explore the arguments for and against walls in classrooms.
The Future Classroom
The ideal classroom may not be one extreme or the other. Here's where innovative design comes in:
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Walls as a Tool, Not a Barrier
Walls in classrooms don't have to be a fixed feature.
By rethinking their purpose and utilizing innovative design solutions, schools can create learning environments that foster both focus and collaboration.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a space that caters to diverse learning styles and supports a dynamic and engaging educational experience.
What are your thoughts on classroom design? Share your experiences and ideas for the future of learning environments in the comments below. 😊
Co Founder PrimeLife Partners 🚀Building Australia's longevity economy ecosystem to transform the way we age, live, care and retire | 2x Tedx speaker
4moAbsolutely - dynamic and experiential learning, accommodating working in small or large groups to encourage a flow and exchange of ideas 💡
Teacher
4moLearning can and should occur wherever is most appropriate for a lesson. Make use of the teachable moments when they arise. But, in more formalized learning situations, many students benefit from the structure that is provided by a well defined and separated classroom. A lot of neruo-divergent students, and teachers, find open-space classrooms highly distracting and potentially overwhelming. As a teacher, I was told in my student teaching experiences that I am not suited to open space classrooms because my deep voice carries and can be distracting to other classes. Hopefully schools will see the value in providing classes with enough space to be able to create flexible spaces and arrangements. Too many schools are spending money to make learning spaces that are more 'show pony' than 'usable learning space'. Especially in primary schools, it is important that a classroom is able to accommodate the students in a classroom in at least 2 seating arrangements, preferably without having to actually move the students' primary seating.
Associate Principal - Global Village Learning
4moWe don't need walls. Learning can and should happen anywhere. Point in case: My view last week as some of our young people Global Village Learning decided to enjoy some sunshine while they did some tasks.