People are social by nature. We work in groups, live in groups and participate in collaborative activities on a regular basis. Schools should reflect our society. Students should be learning how to be a contributing member to society while learning the curriculum in their classes. Using my own frame of reference, almost everything I do is enhanced with social interaction. A simple trip to the grocery store can turn into a pleasant conversation with the checker or perhaps seeing a friend in the produce aisle. At work, I plan curriculum with my co-worker. Together, we get a rounded view of what should be done in the classroom. We also reflect on the day’s lessons and discuss how to move forward. These discussions and reflections are enriching, relevant and offer more than just me working through issues alone. Students in school should absolutely be able to work this way. Not only does it help them academically, it’s a critical life and workforce skill that can only be strengthened by experience. I am piloting flexible seating in my classroom this year and students are enjoying their math class. Please see some pictures here.
According to an Educause article, when they researched this type of environment, embedding choice into classroom seating is essential, given the diversity of learners, instructors and instructional modalities. I see the validity in this statement. Some students choose to sit at desks, others choose a couch. I still have others that need to move to feel relaxed and sit on the Yoga seats. I also have some that sit on the floor.
The Edutopia article states that teachers must give up the power of a seating chart, this was tricky and I did have to amp up my classroom management, especially in 8th grade. I’ve had several talks with students about how their responsibility and self-governance is important in this type of setting. I’ve also incorporated peer reviews on our activities. This is helped curb off-task behavior and distractions in the classroom. In our world today, students must have more abilities than being able to recall facts or work a algorithm to a math problem. To be competitive, students must be problem solvers and active members of a learning community. Fostering these social critical thinking skills also strengthens maturity, leadership and responsibility.
Follow #harrmath for the latest on what’s going on in my flexible seating classroom.
Sources
Considering Classroom Seating for Students and Faculty in … (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2016, from https://library.educause.edu/~/media/files/library/2014/3/sei1401-pdf.pdf
Delzer, K. (2016). Flexible Seating and Student-Centered Classroom Redesign. Retrieved October 08, 2016, from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/flexible-seating-student-centered-classroom-kayla-delzer
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