Nami Holderman - Student Centered Learning

Student-Centered Learning

July 29, 2016

Written by Nami Holderman

One of the essential element in teaching is to provide a stimulating learning environment for the students where they can enjoy learning of their discoveries. The basic things to consider when organizing your classroom are cleanliness, lights, and temperature. Although you may not have complete control over some of these elements, try to make or suggest improvements as necessary. Once you checked those essential elements, you can consider the classroom floor plans. There are four components to help to design the class;

1. Flexibility.

Design functional spaces for the students. The students should flow and transition from one station to the other. For example, the classroom library, literacy center, technology center, stage, and reading nook are in place considerably.

2. Belonging.

Learners should feel space is theirs. Putting up their pictures, name-tags, and accomplishments charts, images that represent diverse cultural backgrounds and student work museum and other things to help each student feel home away from home.

3. Interaction.

By turning their seats, students should be able to work quickly with a small group. You can use an area rug to anchor the space and give several students a place to sit. Other students can remain standing or bring in their chairs. The classroom should design to have a greater interaction, communication between students, enhancing engagement, exploration, and purpose for application to learn.

4. Attention.

Making sure to avoid quiet activity next to a group discussion area. (For example, Independent study, and reading area should not be next to the group work area). The room divider should be low for visibility. Art area will be best near the sink, and making sure to have an eye contact with students.

You don't have to design all the learning zones all in neat and intact. Start with whichever areas will help you the most, or start at the beginning and see where it takes you.

Most importantly, the classroom environment should reflect your teaching style.

Sources:

"Creating an Effective Physical Classroom Environment"  (2015)  retrieved from http://community.wikia.com/wiki/Special:CreateBlogPage

Finley, T. (2015, July 21) "Tips for Creating Wow-Worthy Learning Spaces" retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/creating-wow-worthy-learning-spaces-todd-finley

"New Teachers: Designing Learning Environments" (2015, May 7) retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/article/new-teachers-designing-classroom-learning-environment-resources

Borovoy, A. E. (2014, July 18) "5-Minute Film Festival: Classroom Makeovers to Engage Learners" retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/film-festival-learning-spaces-classroom-makeovers

Lopez, V. (2015, July 28) "7 Learning Zones Every Classroom Must Have" retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/7-learning-zones-classroom-veronica-lopez

Shiela, J. (2013, August 24) Classroom Cribs: Sprinkle Teaching Magic Classroom Tour Edition retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtmxLcN1zy4&list=PLvzOwE5lWqhQ8D0m_371INljdki3RcVRb&index=8