Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Perfect classroom
We discussed in class on Wednesday about the factory model of teaching and learning. What would the perfect classroom look like in order for the best learning to take place? Be specific: desk arrangement, start time of class, how long would class be, what would be taught or discussed.
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The modern school system truly does resemble a factory model. In many ways we are not just the workers, but also the product. Indeed school, and its socialistic structure, is just “an important instrument in inculcating children into a lifelong subservience to whatever authority happens to be thrust over them” (Jensen). That said, the perfect classroom would look much different than room W207 (though we could keep the fish). In order for the best learning to take place the perfect classroom would be home to fewer than ten students. The desks would be arranged in a circular and thus group-oriented layout. Classes would start two or three hours later and would last as long as it takes the students to learn the information. Overall the environment and curriculum would be geared toward desirable and useful education, rather than the conventional torture of futility.
I agree with Jacob that classes should definitely start later. It seems like human circadian rhythms are geared for a later start to the day, even if it means a later finish. I don't like slogging through my day like a drone.
When I first started thinking about the ideal classroom, I thought it would be cool to take fewer classes and focus more on them. This would be most conducive to understanding and deep thought. However, consider what Mr. Wallace said earlier: "90% of the jobs kindergarteners will do have not been created yet. The two most important skills are flexibility and the ability to think for yourself." While we may not even be able to study what are future job is about, taking 5-6 classes at a time at Arapahoe trains you with an intellectual flexibility that will serve you well in the long run.
Real academics don't worship at the altar of grades. They infuse their learning with humor and irreverence, and try to have a good time.
I believe the "perfect classroom" would look somewhat childish. I agree with Jacob on the idea that the (15 maximum number of desks/students) would be placed in a circle. School would start around 9:30-10 in order for the students to have a good nights rest and thier brain to be "functioning". I think the material that was to be taught/discussed is material crucial to life; material we would use later on in our lives. Class would last about 2-2.5 hours. Enough to get the information, yet not enough to drag on and get boring. It would stop right before lunch, so the students' mind wouldn't be wandering too much. The chairs would have a layer of cushion on the backs and the seats (only a small one so its not too comfortable to fall asleep in). With somewhat comfortable seats, kids will pay more attention to the material and not think about the uncomfortable chairs.
Everyone so far is right about school. I mean all of the elementry school kids are up early anyways, so make them go to school earlier. I do understand the factor about sports, but there are so many other possibilities with practicing.If we can't go to school early, then doing say P.E. in the mornings to help us wake up. We need to have less children in class and more one on one interaction with the teacher. I do like what they do in Europe with having the kids actually going out into the real world for training. Lets face it, some of the stuff we learn in school we will never use in the real world depending on what job we do.
The perfect classroom to learn in would have several types of seating because sometimes I need to stand to stay awake, but other times I need a comfortable chair to feel comfortable in the classroom. So there would be tables the hight of the lab tables, possible a padded chair, more or less like the ones in the forum and regular desks. The arrangement would be a semi-circle because the teacher still needs to be able to instruct without students needing to be turned around.
I agree the classes should start later, and be longer. However, there should be the option to end class early. I like the idea that we will read at home and discuss in class, it just seems right. I'm not sure I would change the teaching format from what Wallace already purposed, but then again I havn't experienced that yet.
Class sizes should never be above 25 if the teacher wants the students to learn. In larger classes it is easy to blend into the wall. 15 sounds ideal, yet doesnt 10 sound better and 5 better yet? But then you wouldn't have the ideas, so I guess there is no perfect class size. Sometimes you just have to deal with what life throws at you.
I think the best learning is often done when I'm not hungry so the ideal classroom would allow snacks and water. Sometimes I get thirsty too. Maybe a time to take a nap. That would be nice. I understand this classroom is impossible, but we are talking ideal learning, not ideal balance.
I beleive that each post I've seen so far has had something to contribute to the perfect classroom each starting after Jacob has put forth an idea that compliments the last person's thoughts and has built off it. Much like something I think the perfect classroom would be like. One person puts forward an idea and others follow suite adding on to the thoughts and ideas of others to form a community of learning that constructs together instead of individually being force fed information like the typical factory model school system of today. Rob and Mr. Wallace were absolutely correct in the statement that being flexible and having the ability to think for yourself is important so that it is easier to adapt in the real world, but that is also why a group mentality is necessary to tackle problems so more creative ways to deal with these problems can be formulated from individuals thinking freely and building off eachother. A comfortable classroom is also needed to more successfully absorb information so that the information is better retained. Comfort meaning no long spans of forced note taking, lecturing, or time periods without true breaks. The idea of also starting school later is a good one, around 9:30-10:00 AM being preferable, but I also beleive that if delayed to long people largely become slugish without activity or something to ponder making it hard to jump into something. Their is also something to be said like Rob mentioned that humor is a great stress releiver and I think needs to be more provalent in the classroom, people perform better when they are relaxed.
I do like everyone's idea of school starting later. I personally am NOT morning person and need my sleep. Our class should comprise of few, maybe 10-12, focused individuals. As for the desks, I'm going to be a rebel and say they would look nice piled up in the corner of the classroom--we don't need them. As a proponent of more of a Socratic type discussion, I would prefer that students lounge themselves, comfortably on the floor, leaning along walls, on the sides of chairs or whatever makes them comfortable. Heck, let's go out into the hallway or even under the trees out back. You might notice that I sometimes take the freedom of slouching or putting my foot up on my chair--it's my strong belief that you can't start learning until you are comfortable with who you are and how you present yourself. We would only refer to books if we really needed to, they wouldn't be a requirement at all. A majority of the discussion would be founded upon our questions--questions about everything.
Class would end whenever we felt satisfied that we'd covered the essentials, and well, if that didn't happen too soon, then we'd bring lunch and dinner into the room and continue discussing in an informal fashion.
The perfect classroom would start at a later time. Probably around 10. I would agree that the chairs could be more comfortable and that classes could be slightly smaller. The classes would be about 2 or 2.5 hours long and would include not only us learning the information but also us applying it so we could better understand what we have learned. During the class there would be a small break half way through so we would be able to 'digest' what we have just been introduced to. I agree with Rob that class should be fun and enjoyable, not just work. I also agree that taking more classes makes you well rounded and able to adjust to new jobs. The desks should be arranged so that you would be able to work in small groups but still be able to communicate with the class as a whole so you are able to transfer thoughts and ideas. This would be an ideal classroom for a more in depth learning environment.
I have found that I love to learn in an enviroment that is fun and creative. I love teachers that are passionate about what they teach and let the students explore what interests them. I know most teenagers would say this but I think that if we didn't have to take tests then kids would learn better. I believe that if you allow someone to learn something because they are interested in it or know that they will need it for the real world, then they learn it better than if they were memorizing it for a test. When I can just listen and absorb what I'm learning just for that sheer fact of me being intrigued by it, I tend to learn it and remember it much better. Look at all the things we can memorize that we know we will never be tested on. We can blurt out song lyrics, things we learned on tv, characters in books, who scored the touchdown in the Broncos game, what kind of car that person is driving and so on and so fourth. We can do this because it is stuff we learned on our own and that interests us. We will never be tested on this stuff and I think this same philosophy should be applied in school.
I also agree with everyone else that school should start later for highschool. For the sports teams, make practice in the morning and make school start at 10:00. They would have to move the sports to some other time (as in the morning instead of the afternoon) because if school started later and then you had the same amount of sports practice, you would then be starting homework later which means going to bed later. This would then give you the same amount of sleep in the end. I also think naps are a very good idea. Go to a few classes, have lunch and then take a nap. That would be the school I would go to. I also agree with Sandy... allowing snacks and drinks would be a wonderful idea.
Smaller class sizes would also be a benefit. If we had 10 students in each room, you would have enough to have different ideas and discussion but little enough to have one on one attention.
I would have to agree with everyone else in that the school system we have now does resemble a factory model. However, it is up to the teacher to make the material being taught more interesting. Going with what annie said, teachers should teach what is applicable and useful, rather than teaching material that is unneccessary to know. It seems as if the general consensus here is to have smaller classes, and I'm not one to disagree. Smaller classes mean more individual attention and one-on-one time with the teacher. Unfortunately for us, only two hours are available for 60+ different students. Along with this, school would be better if it started later. However, 10:00 is pushing it. 8:30 or somwhere close to 9 would be ideal for me. Some of us can't take the risk of oversleeping and winding up tired later in the day.
First of all, I don't like the idea of starting school later. I think we should start school at the same time we do now, but have a nap time in between there somewhere. (Probably after the first three classes of the day) Like Mr. Wallace said, a 20 minute power nap is all you really need to rejuvenate yourself and get going again. Second, I hate the idea of longer periods. I know that for me, about an hour is good because after listening to the same information for an extended period of time, I'm not learning anything. Everything the teacher says is going in one ear and out the other. Third, I do agree with a more comfortable chair, but not too comfortable. I had class in the forum all year last year and I was about to fall asleep every time I sat down, even if I got a good nights rest. Finally, I like the idea of having the desks set up in groups of three or four. That's how it's set up in my AP Calculus class and I am much more comfortable than just sitting in one big circle with everyone.
I believe that the perfect classroom would be open with windows that open and lots of space to move around. The desks would be set up in a round shape so that you can see everyone who is talking. Also the room would only hold a small amount of students so more people would get individual attention. Also the class would be more based on discussion instead of lecture and would have the teacher be more like another memeber of the class instead of an athority figure. Class would start about nine and would go for an hour to an hour and a half. I think nine would be a good time to start because its not too early and you would have time for more classes after and not be too late. It would only be an hour because teenages have short attention spands and do not want to sit in one place for a long amount of time.
I agree with both Adison and Jacob that the perfect modern day classroom would hold around 15 students whose desks would be placed in a circular format. This way, every student would be able to react with one another, and the teacher, without having to strain their necks. With this small but large amount of students in the classroom, there are enough opinions and different thoughts thrust into discussions, while at the same time, there is plenty of the teacher to go around for one on one time. Also, I agree with Erica about the windows and spaciousness. No matter how many people think windows distract, the sound of the outdoors makes me concentrate better. The perfect class would start and nine and be about the same time length as we have now. It is not too long and not too short to absorb all the information given to us. I do not believe in lectures and note taking in this perfect class. The notes should be given hard copy to us and we should always be able to discuss it in class with our peers. Real life deals with real people and conversations. Not copying words down and never speaking to anyone about it.
I think there are many improvements that can be made to classes and classrooms. First, although by now it sounds repetetive, we definitely need to start later. I think that the length of current classes is fine. The seating arrangement doesn't really matter, but each class should have a different one, just to switch things up. Less than 20 people in a classroom would be good for more personalized teaching, but we all need to remember that there are some classes, such as P.E. or other electives, where you don't want the teacher to be watching you slack off, so you don't want too few other students. Or, we could just not make certain electives required. Currently we need 6 hours of fine art, 6 of practical art, and 12 of P.E. These could simply be combined to 24 required hours of electives, which you could fill taking whichever classes you want. Personally, I am horrible at fine arts and will never use the skills I learn, and since fine arts really aren't necesary in the world, why should I be forced to take them? I'm sure others feel the same way about gym.
As for sports, there are other options. If you push class two hours later, that opens up two hours of daylight before school. As an example, last year we had a few lacrosse practices before school in the gym right before tryouts. It worked out well, and I believe the coach is going to do that again this year. Although we had to wake up even earlier, I found that running around woke me up and I could actually focus in my first couple classes. For indoor sports, daylight isn't an issue, so they can continue to practice after school.
That, for me, would be the perfect classrom, with a resonable solution for sports.
I don't think that starting school any later would be a good idea, but I support Wallace's idea of recess. I think that we would benefit from a solid block of time in the middle of the day other than lunch during which we could decompress. So much of the day is rushed from class to class, and often times I'm still in a math mindset when I run to english (which causes problems!).
I do like the idea of desks being arranged in a circular format. In terms of learning, I'd like to see the classes be slightly more student run, with the instructor assigning a subject the night previous and the students researching that subject and bringing in information and questions the next day. The teacher should act as more of a guide than anything.
I agree with Sandy's idea about how there can be no real ideal class size, in that each individual feels comfortable with different numbers of peers. Maybe on some days, the class could break up into three parts and discuss in a more condensed, personal enviornment.
As for class length, I find that the time we have now works very well. It might even be a good idea to take the time limit off and allow the class to continue for the same amount of time that meaningful discussion does.
It seems, so far, that the majority of people have the same basic ideas for a "perfect class," so it's hard to contribute more new ideas. I would like to start, however, by agreeing with the change of start time in the day. It would be much nicer to start about 9:00-9:30. I also agree that sports could be moved to the morning, because it is a good chance to release energy and wake up. It would overall lead to better use of class time because students wouldn't be zoning out during the middle of class.
As far as class length, I agree wholeheartedly with Shamita that class would end when the students are comfortable with the knowledge. If it so happens that everyone stays engaged completely for a few hours, class would just keep going undisturbed.
In addition to this, I think that class size would be a key factor to better learning in the perfect class and about 10 people would be good. That would give everyone a chance to really get to know eachother and even (dare I say it) drop their social groups and get along with new people...
My last contribution that is would be that instead of desks, we would use beanbag chairs, pillows, or anything of that sort. That would make the class feel very laid back, and I think everyone could benefit from some relaxation at school.
I'd like to piggy-back off of Robs last comment regarding the grading system in the modern school system. It seems to me that the way the grading system is set up, it does not adequately assess the learning ability and information learned of a student. The way grades are set up today, it appears to me that students do not learn for the sake of learning. Instead, however, they memorize (not learn) for the sake of getting good grades for a high GPA on a transcript to send to a good college so they can continue to further this process in the future. I am as guilty as any-because this is how we have been trained to use the system. In my ideal classroom, the grading system would encourage learning to satisfy curiousity, not memorizing to receive good grades. What sort of a system am I proposing? Your guess is as good as mine. But in an ideal world and classroom, I could explore my interests without the distraction of grades as they are today.
I think the perfect classroom would have the students set up in groups. They could be in either desks or tables and have four in each group. I think the chairs or desks should stay as they are. I agree with Elese about the forum, I also had a class last year in there and the comfy chairs only made me more tired then I already was at eight in the morning. However, sitting closer to other students in the forum did make the class more fun than other classes.
I don’t think we should start earlier because of the after school sports and clubs. Also, in class Wallace asked; should we just have two different schools then? One for athletics/activities and one for academics, I don’t think this would work very well. I think it is important to have the “sporty” students study with the “academically” students, both can learn a lot from one another.
I think each class should be no longer than they already are. An hour is plenty, at least from the student point of view. If I had History or English for two hours or even an hour and a half, I don’t think I would do as well in class as I do in the hour long classes.
Finally, I think students should be required to learn two major subjects; Math and English. With knowing basic math and how to speak and write correctly students will be ready for any class they are interested in taking. If a student doesn’t want to take a class because they do not enjoy it and they don’t think it will help in the future, then why waste the time? Students should be taking the classes they are more interested in; this is where they will excel the most.
The ideal classroom would consist of one teacher and around twenty students. The desks would be in a semicircle so that everyone can see each person, it would add leniency. The teaching would be interactive, and therefore we could move around during class. The class would also have a starting time; however the ending time would be flexible. If some students are in the middle of a great discussion then they would not be forced to leave. At the same time if some students are ready to leave they can do so, after a certain point in class. The material would consist of one main subject that incorporates all the others. This way you can still learn more about your interests, as well as, have a variety to choose from. Also, attendance would not be taken; the students that want to be in class will arrive, however, those that don’t wish to be would not be forced.
I agree with Rob and Jeff. It seems that these days students get too carried away with their grades. The real reason we are at school is to learn. However, there is so much competition that it is impossible not to be concerned with your G.P.A. Is there an answer to this problem?
I also agree with Shamita that class should end when the students feel it should end. It is not fair to force information on students when they don’t want to learn. On the other hand, it is hard to cut a great discussion off because the bell rings.
In my ideal class room, class would start after some form of exercise. I would enjoy having sports in the morning and going to class in the afternoon. That way I would be awake. Also, it would be nice to have a lot of interaction. I wouldn’t mind taking notes at the beginning of class, but I would want to be doing something hands on for the majority of the class. This way I would be able to pay attention better and focus for longer periods of time.
I agree with Shamita that discussions should be based mainly on questions from students. I also agree with basically everyone that the chairs should be fluffier. My perfect classroom would look like the school library crossed with a living room. There would be many tables suitable for four to eight students surrounded with comfortable desk chairs instead of stiff wood chairs. Instead of everyone coming to class and leaving at the same time, people could come and go as they please throughout the period. The teacher could assign a project or reading assignment and groups of students work on them collectively. They get the information from books, computers, other students, or the teacher if needed. Class would be one to one and a half hours long and start at 930 at the earliest. Teenagers need to talk about a subject to really grasp it fully. A teacher droning on about something the class already understands will just put kids to sleep. Topics need to be new and concepts need to be learned in a hands-on manner.
My perfect class room would have a teacher-student ratio of about 1-15. Class would start around 9:30 (when teenage brains start functioning apparently) and class would be broken up by a lunch break, 2 hours before, 2 hours after. I would prefer to learn only one subject at a time, say only one course each quarter. It would be way easier to focus on just one subj rather than 6 or so at a time. In the perfect classroom you'd choose what you were interested in studying, rather than being told what courses you have to take to graduate. Nap time would be nice as well... :)
Well, I think that most people agree on the fact that we need to have less people. I think that is an obvious one. And I really liked Shamita's suggestion of no desks. Sit wherever you want as long as you can see the teacher and the teacher can see you. Its more comfortable and would probably allow for a more open, free environment. I also like Brendan's comment on how we should all contribute and base ideas on other people's ideas and elaborate on them.
An issue that has been brought up about starting school later but how it conflicts with sport schedules. I think I have a solution: Start school later of course. But end school at the same time. Yes, that would mean less classes. But not just that, we should have less graduation requirements. I like how you have to take so many P.E, fine arts, and partical arts. But lessen up on the requirements. That way, people can get those out of the way quickly and can concentrate on classes that they really want to take.
I also think that class should end within a certain amount of time but let there be time for furthur discussion if wanted by the class. Say 20 minutes in which you can end the class. That way people can leave, and maybe take a nap before their next class. Or use the 20 minutes as a way of continueing their discussion, wrapping it up, etc.
In order to have a "perfect classroon" I think a few things should be changed. I agree with everyone that right now we have a factory based classroom. Class definitly needs to start later for high school students because, everyone who has a younger sibling would know, that kids like to get up early and go to bed sooner anyway. I also believe that we should be placed in a circle so everyone would have to participate. I hate when I am in class and there are only a few ppeople who speak the entire class period. Also, when placed in a circle you can look at the person while they are talking rather than look at their back trying to imagine what their facial expression looks like. I also believe that we should have a nap whenever we get tired like Mr. Wallace had stated. I don't know about napping whenever you feel like it but at a certain time every day would be very nice. I also agree with Mr. Wallace that each student should be able to choose what they want to study at the beginning of their education so this way students would be doing something they are interested in, and they will do better in the class. I also agree with jordanl that I absolutly love teachers who are passionate about what they teach and ones who connect with the students on a personal level. I believe that I will work harder knowing that my teacher will be disappointed in me if I do not do my homework, rather then them not really caring what grade you get. With passionate teachers I believe every student would do better in school and create that "perfect classroom."
My perfect classroom would consist of about fifteen students, all with their own beanbag chair, sitting in a semi circle with a good view of the board. As a morning person I don't really have a problem with early classes, and would rather get my day over with by two instead of dragging it out to four. And although more specific learning would help if I knew what I wanted to be, I don't, and I think the schooling we are getting now is a strong foundation for anything that I may want to do later in my life.
In my opinion, the perfect classroom would be a place in which each student feels comfortable expressing opinions and sharing his or her point of view. There needs to be a common underlying theme of peer-to-peer respect and acceptance in order to make the class a better environment for learning. I feel this is usually what we have going at Arapahoe. Students should not have to endure the same daily grind throughout the whole semester. We should alternate between individual work, group activities, partner activities and more. Additionally, the teacher should not lecture every class period. I feel I generally learn more from a mix of the teacher and my peers than simply one or the other alone. However, as much as I'd like to do more peer work, I learn better from being taught by the actual teacher and find I absorb less when the information is simply passing between a peer and me. The bottom line is that this is a college-level class and our constant goal is building ourselves up for the AP test in May. Therefore, we should do what works best to absorb and truly learn the most.
The “perfect classroom” in my opinion and in many others here, would be changed from the way it is now. I’m really for the idea of being put into classes that interest you and that you may use through the rest of your life/career. Not only would this motivate you to learn but also keep you interested the whole duration of class. Yes, in a perfect classroom there would be 10-15 kids for more personal attention in a circular format. This way the kids could drive the discussions each day making it their responsibility to get whatever they need out of it. Also, with a smaller class size, kids wouldn’t be able to hide themselves. Each kid has his or her own valuable voice and comments. The school day would start around 9:30 AM and there would be a lunch/nap break for at least an hour. Teenagers are so stressed out that humor and fun is needed to relieve that stress once in awhile, within a “perfect classroom”.
I think the perfect classroom is impossible to create because every student learns in different ways. Some of us are visual learners and some of us learn from lectures or text. However, if I had to create the best classroom possible that I can think of, I think that the desks would be set up in groups of four to five students, like in elementary school. We are using this technique in my math class and I really like it because we can ask each other questions and I am less confused during class. Class would start later than 7:30 in the morning. I think the best time would be around 9:30. On Tuesday morning I was so relaxed (I had first and second hour off) because I had the time to get ready and eat a healthy breakfast without rushing out the door. Each class would be two hours long because it seems to me that an hour isn't long enough to engage in a discussion or for teachers to answer questions or go into as much depth as they would like. At the same time two hours isn't too long so kids won't get bored. I think that it is important to be taught different subjects, like history, science, English, and math. I also think it is crucial for high school students to be exposed to some elective classes, like P.E., art, health and technology, that will help open their eyes to fields they might want to work in or take classes in at college. There could extra classes that help reach out to students, such as classes that help teach social or speaking skills. Lastly, I would reduce class sizes so that teachers can give more individual help to students.
I love the idea of school starting a little later. Just one extra hour of sleep would improve my attitude in the morning tremendously because I'm not a morning person in the least bit. I think everyone would benefit from a smaller and more comfortable class room because it would create a more laid back atmosphere in which discussions and questions would flow much easier.
Although the majority of us students can agree on some important alterations to our current educational system, (later start date, fewer students per classroom, etc.) I believe that the 'perfect classroom' is different in the eyes of each individual. I personally believe that we should set aside one day a week for intuitive and eclectic activities. We would come to class with ideas of our own and decide on one constructive activity to do for the day. I am sure we could get into the Feng shui aspect of the classroom, but I believe that if everybody comes to class with the right attitude, there is no need for an octagonal desk pattern or what have you. In brief, students should have more control in the world of academia.
I agree with a lot of people's ideas on the perfect classroom. I wouldn't want anymore than 20 kids in the classroom so there is more individual attention. Like everyone, I would like to start class around 9 am. Sometimes in my English classes from previous years, the desks were arranged in a circle. I really enjoy that because you're able to see everyone in the classroom. As far as what is taught and discussed, I guess anything is up for grabs. I would love to have discussion and debate about everything: past or present issues, books, movies, whatever flows. The overall atmosphere of the class should be very relaxed also - everyone should feel comfortable with everyone else so all students are participating.
I believe the perfect classroom would be a relaxed place where it is easy for the students to learn. School would start at 10:30 or even 11. 20 people per classroom so its not too crowded. The desks could be arranged however, maybe different everyday. I think that each class should be 45 minutes an hour at the max. I think its to hard for students to stay focused on the same subject for any longer. And students would take classes that they were intrested in. No required classes before graduation. I agree with adison in that the material should be taught should be crucial in our lives. Instead of worrying about grades then maybe the school system would focus on learning.
In my perfect classroom it would be a much more loose and less restricting environment. We would be able to sit in a circle and discuss hands on about subjects and the teacher would be more of an equal instead of a total authoritative figure. I feel like I learn and grow so much more from real life experiences and others advice and thoughts than i ever could from a text book, power point, or lecture. The most interesting and fun classes would last as long as they needed and the less interesting would be shorter. We would talk about life, and experiences and people could go to different classes based on there likes and needs. That, would be the perfect classroom!!
It would be really hard to make the perfect classroom. If it were perfect, students would want to come and learn. It would be so much more fun to learn if we weren't tested and we didn't care about grades. We would come in and learn when we felt like and would stay as long as we felt needed. The teachers would be teaching us things that we cared about and not just pushing us to pass their tests. We would be able to take breaks, and eat and drink, in class. If we wouldn't feel so pressured to be the best, then I feel as though we would want to learn more. School is such a chore, and we don't receive the time to relax a little during the school year. If school wasn't all about tests and good grades, we would all love it. Like back in Kindergarden when you got the time to play and color, but you also got the time to learn about new and exciting things.
Possibly the hardest element to the question is the fact that I’m not a visionary. It’s hard for me to create a new conceptual classroom with already so much great input. However one attribute that I could add to the ideal classroom is like many others create longer classes with a combination of subjects that apply to each other. One example could be a class rooms that is a combination of business management, economics, current events and something along the lines of desktop publishing. Although all these classes are already found in our high school by creating a way in which we combine and apply all these ideas to each other we get a better effect from the class. We are able to see the application of each course to each other and to the real world. By chunking courses together and having the students choose the courses (each semester) to which apply to the field they like to study in college it would allow them to better pin point what there good at as well as getting better at the fields they do like. In effect, by causing students to think about majors at an earlier age there would be less of undecided majors, 5 year graduate degrees (not by choice), and dropping and switching of majors in college. Furthermore in combination with later classes and discussion based classrooms I believe that school would not only be more rewarding but a more fruitful way in retaining information.
An ideal classroom would not only be different in the way it was taught and the subjects it covered, but the time it was taught during the day and the year.
no one likes to come to school early when they are tired. School should be year round, but only 3 or 4 days a week, with short breaks more often. in the summer, during the heat of the day, say from 1 to 4, you should have class. The reason high schoolers get stuck with the early time is due to logistics: the younger kids need mom or dad to take them to school on their way to work, and activities are what make our day start so early. I am in favor of Wallace's idea to separate academics and athletics totally. I would rather run in the mornings or later at night (or both) and have school in the middle. We also would need smaller classes, say 15.
High school classes should also be more like college ones: that is longer with less grading and policing and more learning. On Wed. one of my teachers actually handed out little pink "homework passes" for when you forget to do your hw that contain a section titled: "what I will do next time to be more responsible." A perfect classroom would be lecture on concepts, illustration of those concepts in the real world and or training on how to use what we have learned. I would prefer a set up where the teacher is not seated in front of the class like a director but seated among us like an equal. showing us on a board is fine, but the desk in the front thing is a policing mechanism to prohibit you from goofing off.
My perfect classroom would have walls plastered with pictures we bring in, posters, cartoons, bright colors, etc. Music would always be on quietly in the background and our lazy-boys would be arranged in a circle, including the teachers. The lecture would become a discussion including the teacher as much as the students and there would be the best technology in the classroom to learn from. All important classes would be 5 days (I know...the HORROR!) so as to establish real relationships between the classmates and teacher though most of the learning will take place in the real world, outside the classroom. One day it could be in the Emergency Room to learn about the anatomy of the human body. One day could be in a cafe, learning about poets and their slams. And maybe even one day could be in a historical point of interest such as a battlefield or cemetry.
I feel that sometimes students are so sheltered in high school that once they hit the "real world," it's like...what now? What now without the bells and the days off and the teacher constantely telling you right and wrong and what to do next?
I believe that the perfect classroom is rather difficult to establish. Everyone has their own learning needs and would have their own idea of what exactly perfect is. Although I personally believe there is no such thing as perfect, I think that a nearly perfect classroom would be almost like the outdoor classroom. Except there would be padding on the seats. Cause it's kinda hard to focus while your legs are falling asleep. It would be less teaching and more of an open forum for discussions on topics that we feel strongly about. Of course there would be certain criteria for each class on what you could talk about, but there would be very little "teaching" involved. The teachers would be more of a peer to the students, just a person who could help point ideas in the right direction while still allowing for students to come to their own conclusions about ideas. This would promote a more independent thinking generation that would be able to conform and adapt to the ever changing world and this new generation would be able to shape the world into a better place for all.
Connections!!! What to I mean by that? Let me expand...
If we answer the posed question about what the educational system must look like in order to output the greatest volume of adequate education in our students, any neurologist, educational researcher, or well-experienced mentor will tell you an answer that is most likely based off of recent studies involving brain-based learning. When your brain is able to find a pattern and integrate learning topics with real-life/real-world issues, your brain encodes this information into itself stronger and your ability to retain this information increases. When your brain is able to find patterns within your lesson and connect it to other issues and real-life situations, your brain, which acts as an enormous processor allows itself to absorb the information at a much greater level. So what? So what do you have to do assure that lessons are not isolated into tiny bits of information your brain must scope out and somehow store in its ever-expanding hard drive? As everyone seems to see, it depends on two major issues: the environment and the strategery behind the delivery of the lesson.
After doing some research and scoping some different sites out, I have noticed a lot of new learning techniques are staying away from traditional methods which tend to inhibit our natural way of learning. Our brain, which is known to be called a "parallel processor" can perform multiple tasks at one time and involves the entire physiology, which believe it or not, factors into the ability to learn. Patterning seems to be the biggest factor to a successful absorbance of information for the brain and patterning can be induced by emotion, challenge, and active learning (meaning hands on application of a lesson to life). But of all the methods which increase learning, there are two I seem to continually come across and they seem to me to be the biggest factor and most significant.
One being the opinion that education should challenge students, but should never intimidate and scare them! Intimidation through exams and matters of that sort have a tendency to inhibit learning and restrict your brain from processing whereas a challenge allows students to open up to pattern, emotion, and creativity.
The final piece of advice, which you ahve all been doing is this: allow students to create their own learning environment comfortable for all! But here is the question I pose to all of you...
If examinations seem to be intimidating to students, how should teachers conclude a semester or year and assure that we have been successful in learning the material?
In regards to the perfect classroom, I agree with a lot of what people have said. I think classes should start later, no earlier than nine. That way by the time class starts we are actually awake. I also think that the desks should we less restricting, and more comfortable. Also, they should be arranged in a circle, that way we can all look at each other and have better discussions. It's so hard to have a good discussion when we are all in rows and can barely hear or see our classmates. I think discussion is one key part of a perfect classroom, as it seems that it is through that we learn the most. Being in a circle would allow us to interact with each classmate personally. I also agree with Erica about how a classroom should be spacious and open. Windows to let in natural light would, at least in my opinion, create a much more comfortable atmosphere than the fluorescent white lights that glare down on our desks. And finally, I think classes should be a lot smaller: 15, no more than 20 kids in a class. That way there is more time for individual questions, and more time to get one-on-one help from the teacher.
Imagine my ideal school day: I wake up at 8:30, get ready for school, eat a nutritious french toast breakfast, and go to school. Classes start at 9:30. I walk into my class room. It is painted in comfortable colors and has a variety of furniture for different times of the day. Tables and chairs are used during individual work time, but there is also bean bags and soft carpet and couches for discussion and lecture times. Classes are not set up to get through solid curriculum by a certain day, but are not guideline free. Also there are luxerious classrooms for all of the various electives with plenty of supplies. Kids are required to spend a certain time each day in electives but do not have to take a certain amount of credits from each category, if they don't like art they don't have to take it. Similarly they can use this time to go more in depth in a core class like chemistry or creative writing. In a sense, classes are set up for all of the kids to go to core classes (similar to present classes only smaller and more familiar/comfortable) and then elective time to pursue their passions. This is truly the ideal learning experience.
I actually do have a suggestion to the question Brooks posed, it makes very much sense because I for one can say that I LOVE a challenge when it has nothing to do with a quiz or test or grade i.e applying something, being kinesthetic.
Instead of finals at the end of the semester, I think it would be a great idea if teachers gave students a final hands on experience. Even if students aren't planning to enter into THAT specific field of learning for their career, I think at least bringing what we've learned in class out into real world situations can be really benefical. It answers common questions students tend to have like "Why are we doing this?" and "What is the purpose of this?" Well, instead of "LET ME TELL YOU!" teachers should say "LET ME SHOW YOU!"
An end of the semester hands on experience without the pressure of grades or finals would, to me, really ensure that students not only KNOW the material, but can also APPLY it, which, if you think about it is really the entire purpose of the educational system--application of learning. The more I'm thinking about it, the more it surprises me that high schools don't have this in place yet. I also think that when students are under less pressure, they tend to perform better socially and academically. This stress-free field trip can really show teachers whether students REALLY understand the content of what's being discussed in class.
The good thing about having a large class like ours is that there are constantly plenty of people to share ideas with and learn from each other. Those who participate would definitely thrive from this size of class because they can grow on each other’s ideas and progress. As a large group, there is opportunity to hear many different points of views. However in a small class where students can consistently interact with each other and the teacher, they don’t have as much potential to view ideas from all the different angles. Unfortunately many students in these large classrooms do not participate or contribute, preventing them from benefiting from their peers. Therefore it is extremely difficult to define a perfect classroom; it just depends on the individual student and how they learn best.
Late starts, comfortable chairs instead of desks, freedom to take breaks whenever we want, and perhaps recess or snack time are all changes to improve the classroom for everyone, however. It is just too impossible to design a perfect classroom that is the same for everyone because we are all different.
In response to Rebecca's post, I completely agree about the benefit to a large class such as ours today. With the number of students we have, the volume of comments and questions seems to be unimaginable and endless. The one thing I think that classes could do better of in large groups to encourage that endless response off of one another's idea is that students and instructors should create more of an encouraging and comfortable environment because I know a lot of times students can feel pressured of making what they would define an unintelligent comment. That would be the one flaw in my mind of a large class size.
My idea of the perfect classroom is one that is outside so we can truely experience nature, of course only when it is warm- otherwise it is a comfortable environment for everyone, not somewhere that many students find very intimidating, such as a classroom. Also, we would discuss things that we were interested in, such as current events or controversial issues that generate new thinking.
As far as school starting later, i completely agree with that! My brain needs sometime to wake up in order for me to be fully in-tuned.
The class size would be around 10 so that you can get everyones opinion and become to know that people that you are discussing these subjects with. This is the class that would take place for four hours or so and then be done for a day- because by that time you not only have learned about yourself, but a different perspective on a topic was also shown.
Besides, why is it worth wasting your time on a subject that you care nothing about?
I think Brooks brings up a great point! I briefly mentioned earlier that I feel it is important that our assessment system be changed because at this point, it does not adequately, in my mind, assess the actual information intake of a person. But Brooks spins that too by saying intimidation by exams inhibits learning capacity and even can limit curiousity. I don't really have an answer as to how it is possible to assess the knowledge learned during a class and I fear that it is nearly impossible to change the system we have right now because our educational system cannot adequately support the necessary types of assessments (ie real life challenges). But I think it is definately a problem in terms of how we learn.
I agree with Rebecca that it is important to have classes where there are enough people to contribute many different views and ideas. If classes had around 20 students the size would be prefect because there would still be individual help available from the teacher. In the perfect classroom school would start later, so that students are more awake and able to pay attention. The way school is currently set up makes it hard to have meaningful first hour classes. Passing periods should be a few minutes longer so that students have more time in between classes. I think it would help to not be as rushed to get to classes. It would be less stressful and students would be able to focus more on their next class if they could relax before and have short conversations with their friends. During class there should not be any note taking. Notes should be handed out to students before the lesson so they can focus on understanding what they are learning. I also think discussion is extremely important in each class because it is impossible to sit and listen to the teacher talk for an hour. Discussion helps each student to interact in class and makes it a lot more interesting.
Since I seem to be a little late in response to this blog, I apologize for any repetition in my answer since the 48 people before me have probably touched on most everything. However, the opinions I state are my own, and are in no way tainted by any of the other responses.
The number of students in this so called perfect class would have to be around 15. Although some people prefer smaller class sizes, I believe that a group this size is still personal, but a smaller group may not contain all the different types of personalities needed for a unique intellecutal discussion. In regards to the look and feel of the classroom, I believe that a circular orientation of the desks would be best for discussion. This allows students to feel more personal with their peers, and adds a sense of equality.
I also feel that class should not have a set time limit. Sometimes an hour is sufficient to cover the material needed, but other times, the bell rings in the middle of a very important sentence. Each class, to acheieve full potential of learning, must operate at its own pace.
And finally, I am a strong advocate of variety in learning. If the information is presented in different ways all the different types of students, those auditory, visual and kinetic learners, will have a chance to absorb the information in their own style. In addition, a variety of learning and a sense of humor keeps the attention of the students and doesn't turn school into an endless cycle of boredom.
Oops I meant kinesthetic learners, not kinetic. I must have chemistry on the brain. Hmmm...
I think the perfect classroom is different for every single person, because not everyone learns in the same way. Having said this, my perfect classroom would not have uncomfortable desks all aligned in perfect rows. I would want couches set up into pairs, so it is a comfortable, group learning experience. This would make school a more informal thing, which will make students want to come more often. Class would start around nine o'clock a.m., allowing for students to get rest without oversleeping. The discussions would involve more hands on/current day applications, and less busy work like worksheets and book assignments. Classes may have to be longer, but I believe the learning would be far greater. Of course this is only a fantasy, because not all students learn the way I do, but I can always dream.
The perfect classroom, I guess my idea of such a dream would be much like that of my Western civilizations class with Mr. Hampshire. For that was a great class in that we went about it in a very laid back style where he would just talk, and all he would ask of us was to listen, not take notes, but just listen, and I think that’s fair enough to ask of anybody when teaching a class. To most people the idea of a teacher just talking would cause them to fall asleep at the mere sound of it, but the amazing thing about that class is that when he spoke it wasn’t as if he was teaching but rather telling an amazing story. So I believe that is the best way anybody could teach and that is to make there lessons into stories, now granted calculus could be a little tricky, but for the most part stories are best. I mean we all remember stories, from red riding hood to Romeo and Juliet. As for setting arrangements I would like for all of us to just chill out in bean bag chairs scattered about the room. The time we should show up would be noon. And above all what would be taught is what we believe is most relevant or interesting to our lives in the present and not the hazy future like every other class is designed to be.
A perfect classroom is one driven by the needs and the interests of the students in it. We know what we understand and what we dont quite get. If we could choose what is discussed we wouldnt have to waste time on what we already know. More information could be covered and in more depth.
The classroom would consist of tables in a circle so everyone would adress the class when they talked not the back of their neighbor's head. The classroom would not have any strict hardened rules that restricted the students ability to think. All the students would be encouraged to tailor their space to be condusive to their learning style.
As many people have already stated the perfect class would have to be a smaller calss in order to have personalized learning, and i think the desk should be arranged in a circle so you can see everyone regardless of who is talking. Class periods i think are fine in length, that doesn't bother me. Class should start later in the morning because everyone knows and everyone has already hit on this, but little kids are up and going ewarly in the morning. i would probably learn much better if i could take my time getting up and didn't have to get up at 5:30 for zero hour three days a week. The students should decide what is taught becuase that will be waht interests them and therefore, allowing them to be intersted in learning and actually learn the material.
In my opinion, the perfect classroom, as many people have already said, should be smaller, about 10-15 students, to allow for a more engaged and personal learning experience. Class should definately start later in the morning, so the students are actually awake and the material doesn't go in one ear and out the other. Class length is just right at about an hour long, so that it captures students attention and isn't long enough to lose it. Desks should have wheels and be able to swivel, so that students can move about the classroom to the place that benefits them the most: This way they can easily move to converse with different students, and they can arrange themselves the best for any kind of discussion or lecture. Lectures should incorporate more hands on elements, like models and pictures etc. Class discussions should be held at least once every class period to discuss lectures, homework, and projects etc. The curriculum should include all necessary material required by the board of education, but it should also be flexible enough to include anything the students would like to learn about. I think this is the perfect classroom and I believe students would be more successful if taught following this model.
In my opinon the perfect classroom would be entirely different from the current system. Students would be able to choose which courses they wanted to be enrolled in, regardless of graduation requirements. This would allow for student to be more engaged in their interests, more passionate about their studies. I believe teachers would find their students more willing to learn and work diligently if this were the case. I don't think classrooms should have desks. I believe classrooms should be condusive to comfort. If a student feels confined and uncomfortable, they are far less likely to succeed than if they felt at home in their learning enviornment. The perfect school would not begin until 10, allowing time for students to be well rested and eat breakfast befor beginning their day.
The majority of you have said that to have a better class that the class sizes need to be smaller. In order to do this, we need more teachers and more buildings (or less students). Remember this when you get to voting age and a measure comes up to support education by raising taxes that go to hiring more teachers.
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