"How can the design of the physical space support our instructional vision?"

10/30/2014

Our task: What types of facilities should our building offer to support personalized learning?
AKA: If we renovated SHS, what would it look like if we were implementing personalized learning for every student?

14 Comments

Beth Cook

10/30/2014 07:57:11

I feel like the "space" we provide for our students should match our instructional vision for personalized learning. If we want students to have opportunities for individual learning, one-on-one learning, small group learning, and large group learning, then a space for each setting should be provided. For example, for small group learning, perhaps small group study rooms that students could sign up for would be available and "walk up" (first come first served) small group areas available as well. For individual learning, individual student carrels for quiet study could be available. Perhaps social gathering places, like a cafe. Teachers could have offices to meet with students one-on-one.

Scott Habeeb

11/8/2014 12:07:30

We might want to go check out Roanoke College's new library. They've remodeled the 1st floor into something that sounds like it might be good for us.

Kim Martinez

11/8/2014 22:39:46

There almost could be departmental areas with 2/3 large classrooms and the other areas Beth mentioned in the middle. I'm going to use Spanish as an example for a scenario that I think might be interesting to explore: Paola and I would (or even all four of us) teach a lesson to the entire group of students taking Spanish I (lecture format). We then can break into different types of learning based on the students needs - she could lead one (small group additional explanation / help) and I could lead another (large group practice). For follow-up classes, students would be able to choose a learning environment to fit their needs and have two teachers guiding their learning/practice or space for individualized practice.

Scott Habeeb

11/8/2014 23:08:21

Kim - that's a neat out-of-the-box idea.

I wonder if we'll need to design some large spaces. It seems like it might make sense to build some large spaces that were all set to retrofit into smaller spaces if we ever changed our mind.

I think the teaching changes - or changes to function - would need to be in place before we invested in the new form - design/layout. Perhaps we can explore further through next year's master schedule process...

Paola Brinkley

11/19/2014 02:36:12

Kim what a great idea! It would be much easier to manage the classroom if we both work together in a common room. In addition to how the room is set up, I also believe we can give upper level students the opportunity to intern with us in the classroom and they will help with the different learning groups. Instead of having a study hall, these students will be in class with us in an "teacher assistant" role. Of course, these students should receive some type of credit for their work and time.

Scott Habeeb

11/8/2014 12:08:35

I think we'll need more efficient and accessible charging areas/stations.

Kim Martinez

11/8/2014 22:41:58

We should look at the airport model. It is necessary to have charging stations in each area / classroom.

Fred Campbell

11/9/2014 04:02:06

Yes, space should reflect our offerings and expectations. I like my room as it is, but I would welcome several computer workstations in there. Also, we should continue to look into what we can do as a school to foster visual literacy. Students can exercise their critical thinking skills through film study, and I would like to see a film section and viewing areas added to the library. These additions would dovetail nicely with class offerings in visual literacy, such as IB Film Study, etc.

Mike "Gibby" Gibson

11/10/2014 05:25:03

I think we could look at other universities on how they utilize space, one example is JMU, they have several mini stations through the library, the room consists of a white board, a smart board, a flat screen TV with all of the proper connections for laptops and DVDs. Individuals can check out or reserve the station for themselves or others such as classmates. They can have study groups or they can skype other schools, classes, study groups or professors. The mini stations can hold up to twelve students, there is a glass panel that you can see inside the room, from outside the hallway and you do have vertical blinds for darkness. There is a sign-up sheet to reserve the room and there are hour time slots.

Regina C Meredith

11/10/2014 05:50:59

I really like the idea that Kim has. It would be neat to have a lecture area and then space for smaller groups or even areas where students could work at individual computer stations.

Mark Tassone

11/17/2014 09:10:27

I would love to see some sort of outdoor learning space: perhaps a small semi-circular theater where students could perform skits from class or teachers could give lectures with large-scale demonstrations.

Hunter Routt

11/18/2014 03:10:29

My high school had an outdoor amphitheater that was great for the types of activities you mention above (and skateboarding).

Hunter Routt

11/18/2014 03:18:21

I like the idea of student lounge with charging stations, individual study areas and maybe some larger tables for groups to meet/work....almost like a coffee shop where kids tend to gravitate. It would be nice to have it accessible before and after school for work.

Anika Armistead

11/19/2014 04:53:53

I like the idea of outdoor space, and from the science point of view, this could include a greenhouse, gardening space, physics launching area, observatory for star-gazing, etc.

I was able to visit some high schools in Germany several years ago, and one of the things that struck me was the freedoms that the students were allowed, but it worked because of the level of trust that had been built. Students arrived and left the school campus regularly as their schedules allowed. They didn't have a bell system either because their days weren't so automated like our current system.

"How can the design of the physical space support our instructional vision?"

Leave a Reply.