In a blended classroom, building community takes place in the physical space as well as the online space. This next section focuses on rethinking the physical space to create an environment that builds community and promotes learning.
Loris Malaguzzi established a premise in the 1940’s that children develop through three types of interactions. First, with the adults in their lives, (parents and teachers), second with their peers, and thirdly with the environment around them. Malaguzzi then identified “environment” as the third teacher. This label inspired a collaboration between Education architects Cannon Design, VS Furniture, and Bruce Mau Design to write a book about their studies on “The Third Teacher” and identified “79 Ways You Can Use Design to Transform Teaching and Learning”. The book is a product and display of the art of collaboration by design thinkers who are skilled at listening and observing to design solutions for learning.
Edutopia's three-part series follows a determined teacher at Roosevelt Middle School in San Francisco as he transforms his crowded classroom space to enable deeper learning. As you watch the series, think about ways that you can redesign your classroom or space.
Example: The desks are arranged in rows and are very close to each other. Learners have difficulty getting in and out. Learners can not engage in collaborative work and do not have the ability to rearrange their desks to accommodate active collaboration.
Design Parameters: Color, choice, complexity, flexibility, connection, lighting, furniture, spatial arrangements, noise, temperature, technology, work-space, etc.
Option 1: Use a drawing program (e.g. Google Drawing) and create a new floor plan.
Option 2: Create a digital inspiration/vision board (aka gallery wall) to plan your new space (e.g. Pinterest board)
Additional Resources:
Remake Your Class: 6 Steps to Get Started
8 Tips and Tricks to Redesign Your Classroom
Source:
Leading Edge Certification for the Professional Learning Leader - lecftpll.weebly.com