Artifact # 7
Classroom Layout – This is a map of how I would set up my classroom in order to promote a good and comfortable environment.
Context:
I created this design as a part of my
Elementary School Curriculum and Instruction class during my Block experience
at ASU. This layout is a representation of the way in which I might
set up my own future classroom. It includes a large rug area where
the class can meet as a group, a “venting” area where students can go if
they need some time apart from the group, an area for centers, a computer
area, and a book/writing center, among other things.
Impact:
As a teacher, I will need to think about
my classroom setup before I enter the classroom. Doing this activity
allowed me to think about it far in advance so I could contemplate what
is really important to me. This classroom layout is very open and
promotes a lot of group work and discussion; things in which my students
could benefit from greatly. Since I have not had much experience
in classrooms, this layout is a rough drawing of what I think will work
and I can change and improve it as my career progresses.
Alignment:
This diagram shows the physical setting
of my ideal classroom and this layout shows that my students would have
a lot of freedom to work collaboratively with each other (Tech.
Comp. 12.4). It also shows that my classroom would have a prominent
computer area where students would take turns using computers for free
time and for class assignments. It is important that all students
get an equal opportunity to use these resources and I will make a point
to be sure that this happens (Tech.
Comp. 14.2). Throughout all of my education classes here at ASU,
I have learned that students of all ages need to be able to have academic
freedom to make their own choices. They also need an environment
that fosters good communication and group work between classmates.
When students are able to discuss ideas and concepts with their peers,
they usually understand and comprehend them better. I have placed
my students as desks grouped as tables because I feel that this encourages
open communication. The way in which I set up my classroom will indicate
in a non-verbal way the type of teacher I am and the type of learning that
will be going on in my classroom (INTASC
#6).