The phrase that most often comes out of the mouths of the Classroom4theFuture teachers as we visit each space is I'm open to that. True to the agreements made our first night together, teachers are remaining open to new ideas and possibilities as they emerge through the design process. Though the phrase seems a simple response to an idea, it is in fact a great big reflection on the teachers involved. I'm open to that is never said in response to being propositioned with a new brand of chocolate or an all-expenses paid trip to Vegas. No, this is in response to being introduced to concepts that could drastically impact their own teaching, usually giving greater voice and choice to students. Each teacher knows this type of change only comes with hard work and growing pains, but each is up to the challenge. We had no idea just how much this project could potentially impact teaching and learning until we were able to get into the minds and classrooms of the teachers.
With the help of interior designers Laura Casai and Danielle O'Grady from TMP Architecture, teachers are exploring new possibilities their previously limiting spaces might enable. While Danielle made her way around the room, measuring and taking notes with ninja-like moves, Laura was able to ask teachers about what a typical day looks like and even asked how they might feel about "divorcing the front-of-the-room technology from you". Teachers' responses varied from the now ubiquitous I'm open to that to that divorce was final ages ago.
Naturally, such changes come with plenty of apprehension. Not only will teachers have to adapt to change, but the students will have to learn a whole new way of learning, too. I have been learning a lot through this process, and among my reflections is the understanding that I have to help teachers in preparing their students for the change ahead. Teachers will need to anticipate how to explicitly teach new skills to their students because now they will be able to facilitate such different ways of learning that include collaborating, moving, and adapting the room to their needs (among other changes). Amanda, like a few others said, "The room is probably going to change my teaching." It is changing mine, too.
With the help of interior designers Laura Casai and Danielle O'Grady from TMP Architecture, teachers are exploring new possibilities their previously limiting spaces might enable. While Danielle made her way around the room, measuring and taking notes with ninja-like moves, Laura was able to ask teachers about what a typical day looks like and even asked how they might feel about "divorcing the front-of-the-room technology from you". Teachers' responses varied from the now ubiquitous I'm open to that to that divorce was final ages ago.
Naturally, such changes come with plenty of apprehension. Not only will teachers have to adapt to change, but the students will have to learn a whole new way of learning, too. I have been learning a lot through this process, and among my reflections is the understanding that I have to help teachers in preparing their students for the change ahead. Teachers will need to anticipate how to explicitly teach new skills to their students because now they will be able to facilitate such different ways of learning that include collaborating, moving, and adapting the room to their needs (among other changes). Amanda, like a few others said, "The room is probably going to change my teaching." It is changing mine, too.