Doorley & Witthoft (2012 p.30) impress upon us that space is something that can create an impact on the way we learn, work and play immediately. So, starting with what you have, make a change. In your learning environment, is there an empty space? Find one, take it and transform it, quickly. You might consider making a pop-up learning space from scratch for a short period of time, or adapting an existing space in a small way with the goal of making a difference to learning.
What did you change or transform quickly in your learning environment?
Early last week I was working with Stage 2 teachers to plan their Science unit for the term.
The teachers decided to have a question box so that students could write questions relating to the topic as they thought of them. This would form the basis of their search for a question/s to pursue for their Guided Inquiry project.
I suggested that they use Ewan McGregor's Googleable and Non-Googleable question idea. The questions would be there for all to see, the students could start to understand the difference between questions that can be answered quickly (Googleable) and those that would stimulate discussion and collaboration on a search for answers to deeper questions (Non-Googleable).
When I read the forum topic, I decided to ask the class teacher if I could transform a space in her classroom.
The area was a small alcove off the main space. It is a wet area and a dumping ground for broken chairs, rubbish bin, old worksheets and anything else that has nowhere to live.
This would become the class Question Cave.
I cleared the space and set up the wall with the headings under which the students would add their questions.
I also attached paper to the side of the filing cabinet that could not be moved. This will be used for students to add diagrams and any drawing they think will make explaining an idea or concept easier.
The students are very excited and can’t wait to start adding their own questions to the wall.
They are also feeling in competitive mode - who can provide answers to the Googleable questions?
