Our classrooms have:
Televisions.
Projectors.
Sound systems.
Hard wired and wireless Internet access.
Microphones.
But, get this, they also have those old-fashioned, cold, streamlined desks. Some have graffiti. Some have bubble pink, bubble gum underneath. Some teeter due to a missing leg.
But recently, I realized how much they can be useful. I have been having a hard time in my classrooms with my physical arrangement and groupings. I have had the groups in 4, and 6, to facilitate active engagement. However, I have noticed that less students talk overall. They can hide, even in groups of 4-6.
So after some reflection and looking around my room, I changed the room layout, so that my old-fashioned desks are just in pairs. 2. Two. It's hard to hide in a group of two students. As a result, my room is filled with more voices chattering about the content.
And that puts an old-fashioned smile on my face.
Friday, May 7, 2010
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