Making the best use of the physical space of a classroom is a vital skill of experienced teacher. First, a classroom must be safe and accessible for all students, including those with a disability. Beyond that, a teacher should use the organization of the classroom to help structure the class. For example, in an elementary school classroom, a teacher may have a reading corner with comfortable chairs and pillows, and may organize the desks in groups to encourage group work. In a secondary classroom, a teacher may organize the desks in a circle to facilitate discussion. A teachers use of classroom space has a huge affect on the structure of the learning. Elements of this include:
Safety and Accessibility
This should be the first step in organizing a classroom. If the class in unsafe (physically or emotionally) for any student, limited learning will occur, and an unsafe environment damages relationships with parents and students. In addition, all students should have access to the board, carpet, desks, and any other area used to learn, or else their learning is limited.
Arrangement of Furniture and Use of Physical Resources
The physical arrangement of the furniture of the classroom can either help or hinder learning. For example, if attempting to work in groups with desks in rows, it is easier for a student to be left out of the work. At the highest level of this element, the students contribute to the physical environment as well. In addition, both teachers and students should make optimal use of all available resources, including technology.
Implementing in the Classroom/Artifacts Demonstrating Competency
Safety and Accessibility
This should be the first step in organizing a classroom. If the class in unsafe (physically or emotionally) for any student, limited learning will occur, and an unsafe environment damages relationships with parents and students. In addition, all students should have access to the board, carpet, desks, and any other area used to learn, or else their learning is limited.
Arrangement of Furniture and Use of Physical Resources
The physical arrangement of the furniture of the classroom can either help or hinder learning. For example, if attempting to work in groups with desks in rows, it is easier for a student to be left out of the work. At the highest level of this element, the students contribute to the physical environment as well. In addition, both teachers and students should make optimal use of all available resources, including technology.
Implementing in the Classroom/Artifacts Demonstrating Competency
- Lack of dangling wires
- Accessibility to all parts of the classroom for students with special needs
- Inviting environment
- Age appropriate decorations
- Arrangement of furniture that helps and does not hinder learning
- Optimal and frequent use of technology by both students and teacher
- Use of all resources in the room
- Flexible Seating
- Let students pick students desk arrangements
- Let students use technology such as canva to help create decorations
- Allow students to edit the classroom
- Photo labeled for reuse
- (2018). Static.pdesas.org. Retrieved 22 February 2018, from http://static.pdesas.org/content/documents/danielson_rubric_32.pdf