After completing two practicums and working as a teacher’s aide at another school it has become evident to me that most learning environments for students consist of four walls and rows of desks and seats. As teachers we get frustrated as students have no motivation, don’t want to learn and in protest to this by misbehaving. I have now begun to consider that if students were provided with a learning space with positive stimulation and an engaging environment how this would be reflected in their work and behaviour.
As I still study, I know that I cannot work in an untidy environment and need differentiation in learning materials to maintain concentration. I try to remember this when designing lessons for students and differ the next lesson from the last by using student’s laptops, working outside, creating group activities and having students move around the classroom to share ideas with other members of the class.
With my specialisation being in the TAS department, Textiles and Food Technology it is important to consider the OH&S issues that go hand in hand with the learning spaces provided. In practical rooms especially it would be unpractical to have desk with wheels on the bottom but having a separate section within the room that allows for a stimulating, interactive learning space I believe students would greatly benefit.
