Embedded Files
2E - Organizing Physical Space
2E - Organizing Physical Space
The use of the physical environment to promote student learning is a hallmark of an experienced teacher. Its use varies, of course, with the age of the students: in a primary classroom, centers and reading corners may structure class activities, whereas with older students, the position of chairs and desks can facilitate, or inhibit, rich discussion. Naturally, classrooms must be safe (no dangling wires or dangerous traffic patterns), and all students must be able to see and hear what's going on so that they can participate actively. Both the teacher and students must make effective use of electronics and other technology.
Elements of Component 2E:
Elements of Component 2E:
Safety and accessibility
Arrangement of furniture and use of physical resources
Evidence of Component 2E
Evidence of Component 2E
Ecological Evaluation
Ecological Evaluation
In the spring of 2021 my classmate and I acted as home interventionists as we worked with a young girl. We mostly did interventions in her backyard. In order to make the most of the learning environment and take advantage of the physical space available, I completed an ecological assessment of this child's backyard. I described the environment in detail, identified aspects of the environment that supported students learning, aspects that created barriers to student learning, and what I would do to improve the environment. This exercise helped me recognize how I can prove aspects within my control, and how I can work around aspects that are not in my control. These same principles can be applied to a typical classroom. (Scroll to page two of the document to see a representation of the environment that was evaluated.)
Station Teaching at Lincoln Elementary
Station Teaching at Lincoln Elementary
A classmate and I designed and taught a science unit to a group of third graders at Lincoln Elementary in Rexburg, Idaho. We planned multiple hand-on activities as part of our instruction on magnets and static electricity. To take advantage of the classroom space and make better use of our time with the students, we organized the physical space in the classroom to support station learning. We met at the front of the room in the "kiva" to give instruction, and then sent the groups to large tables to complete their station learning.
An outline of the lesson in which we used station learning is found on pages seven and eight of the document.
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