Learning Studio 206 -- The best room for learning ... EVER!

Years ago, I was working with students on a unit concerning utopias.  One of the questions I asked them (and they wrote about) involved what their utopian classroom was.  This started us on a journey I never planned.

Seeing what my students wrote inspired me to ask them to actually put their ideas into action.

So began the longest, most exciting action research project ever. :-)

Students split up into groups (finance, bouncy balls, room design) and researched other spaces (from schools to businesses to anywhere in between).  They discovered a lot about how to organize a space taking into account color, comfort, efficiency, etc.

They conducted research by calling (e-mail was just beginning to be available to younger kids) and interviewing people from all over the world (Skype was a lifesaver).  Their research involved people in multiple industries and occupations.

Finally, they went to our PTSO to ask for money to fund their vision, and the PTSO graciously said yes!

Today, I have many of the elements they created and have added some of my own.  Today, it's a room where students can learn, think, and dream.  It's allowed me to give more ownership to students intellectually, also, and inspired me to create personalized learning options for my students.

It's helped by allowing me flexibility in teaching and grouping.  Having the bouncy balls also helps students who are a bit fidgety.  They can bounce and get rid of that energy.  Also, if a student needs to get up and move around the room, s/he won't distract other students because there's always movement in class.  And, for those quieter students who need alone time, the different parts of the room allow them to work on their own.

I've also adopted not turning on the lights to add to my room ambiance.  The fluorescent lights are just too glaring, and the natural light is calming and gives a real sense of being part of a larger world.  Students love the natural light and often comment on how it helps them relax and focus.

And finally, as part of recent changes, I've gotten rid of my desk.  Not only did it help me get rid of all the things I didn't need, it also helps me interact with students more.  I bring my laptop to a group and can more easily, naturally interact with them.  It's a great thing to be able to share space.

Thank you, students, for the inspiration!