Ideal Middle School Classroom
Classroom set up is extremely important! Depending on how a classroom is set up, it can create a welcoming and inviting or an uninviting environment.
After doing some research, my ideal classroom would look like the set up you see to the left. I decided to put my children in small groups because it promotes collaborative learning. I think it is very important to include collaborative learning in social studies classes because it allows the students to learn from each other and gain new perspective on different topics. GDRC.org explained how important collaborative learning is for younger students. They stated, "Proponents of collaborative learning claim that the active exchange of ideas within small groups not only increases interest among the participants but all promotes critical thinking" (GDRC).
One of the only problems teachers run into by grouping students is that the students tend to fall off task easier because they are in a very close proximity to each other. I would only suggest grouping in classrooms with 20-25 students or less. The groups of desks are also set up in a semi circle in front of the board so all of the students can see what is going on in the front, while I also have a good view of what they are doing. I found that an angled teachers desk allows for more space in the room as well as near the black board.
One of the other very important aspects I put in my ideal classroom was the reading are near the bookshelves. I think it is very important for the students to feel at home in the class room; if students feel comfortable in their surroundings, they will be more likely to go out on a limb and participate more in class.
The last thing I would like to point out in my ideal classroom are the bulletin boards on the walls. I think it is very important to incorporate posters, words, and pictures of things we are learning about. If the students feel as if they already have a bit of previous knowledge on a subject because of something they saw on the bulletin boards, they will be more willing to learn. On the bulletin boards I would also include different vocabulary words we might be running into during a specific unit so the students see the word regularly enough in the classroom to understand it when we run into it during a reading.
Over all, as long as you keep in mind you students needs in mind and make rue to make the environment inviting, the students will react to your hard work. A collaborative classroom environment, in my opinion and other researches, is one of the best ways to promote learning.
After doing some research, my ideal classroom would look like the set up you see to the left. I decided to put my children in small groups because it promotes collaborative learning. I think it is very important to include collaborative learning in social studies classes because it allows the students to learn from each other and gain new perspective on different topics. GDRC.org explained how important collaborative learning is for younger students. They stated, "Proponents of collaborative learning claim that the active exchange of ideas within small groups not only increases interest among the participants but all promotes critical thinking" (GDRC).
One of the only problems teachers run into by grouping students is that the students tend to fall off task easier because they are in a very close proximity to each other. I would only suggest grouping in classrooms with 20-25 students or less. The groups of desks are also set up in a semi circle in front of the board so all of the students can see what is going on in the front, while I also have a good view of what they are doing. I found that an angled teachers desk allows for more space in the room as well as near the black board.
One of the other very important aspects I put in my ideal classroom was the reading are near the bookshelves. I think it is very important for the students to feel at home in the class room; if students feel comfortable in their surroundings, they will be more likely to go out on a limb and participate more in class.
The last thing I would like to point out in my ideal classroom are the bulletin boards on the walls. I think it is very important to incorporate posters, words, and pictures of things we are learning about. If the students feel as if they already have a bit of previous knowledge on a subject because of something they saw on the bulletin boards, they will be more willing to learn. On the bulletin boards I would also include different vocabulary words we might be running into during a specific unit so the students see the word regularly enough in the classroom to understand it when we run into it during a reading.
Over all, as long as you keep in mind you students needs in mind and make rue to make the environment inviting, the students will react to your hard work. A collaborative classroom environment, in my opinion and other researches, is one of the best ways to promote learning.