Concepts from Fall 2022

At some point in our life we have seen some type of writing or drawing on tables in the classroom. Students get bored of the lectures, and their minds start to wander off so they start to do other things such as doodle on their desks or papers to engage the brain. These tables allow them to not only doodle but also write quick notes and ideas when working with a group. This method of writing notes and brainstorming is more environmentally friendly than using multiple pieces of paper. It helps students gather in one place and visualize their ideas and work. For example, students working on math assignments can show their work on these tables, it is also easier for students to erase their work and correct any mistakes as opposed to having to erase their work on a piece of paper.

Traditional lecturing is "boring" for most students as one has to sit down and be quiet for hours on end. This "passive" type of learning is not productive for the majority of learners as students are not encouraged to think critically to actively apply information. However, the reverse classroom remedies this problem of "passive" learning as it is structured around the concept that a long lecture is not the best use of class time. Instead, students get introduced to information before class via watching a video or reading the textbook before class, thus freeing class time for activities that require higher-order critical thinking that will reinforce the concepts that they have already been introduced to.

During interviews, the teachers expressed the need for adaptability in the classroom, especially for separating different activities. In most classroom setting today it is a square room with 30-40 desks and maybe some motivating words on the walls. This design doesn't allow for creativity or innovation by teachers to make the space entertaining and enjoyable for students. Simply having walls that can move and divide the room can provide both creativity and adaptability for teachers. Speaking from personal experience at the biomimicry center, having walls that separated the lecture space from the workspace made it easier to focus. When we split off into group projects, each group was able to talk and work in their own space without the distractions from other groups. In the biomimicry center it was only around $72 to build the "moveable walls" with sustainable materials and a little help from partnering companies. This simple design can provide flexibility and character to teacher's rooms while helping focus students attention on the task at hand.