on desks and the shelves are overstocked , suggest customers take some time to regroup and reduce clutter to create a more open learning environment . Creating the ideal classroom is not just about repainting , rearranging and getting some new furniture , it also requires consistent maintenance to retain and renew the original appeal of the space .
What Comes Naturally
We found that educators can be innovative when they are not limited by budget or space concerns . What interesting items do today ’ s educators want to see in their classrooms ? Responses included outdoor learning spaces , and increased connection with nature , a sunroof to let natural light into the classroom , and even a space where students can read peacefully while swaying gently in hammocks . Preschool teacher Teri Bierman dreams of “ creating an indoor garden that children can explore year round .” Other responses included bright yoga balls to allow students to gently bounce and balance as they release energy and stay focused on the task at hand , floor-to-ceiling whiteboard walls with idea paint to encourage students to brainstorm freely , work through problems and formulas and leave their personal touches directly on the walls of the classroom . When there are no limitations and educators are free to dream of the perfect space , their ideas are truly remarkable .
Role Play
Besides the ‘ where ’ and the ‘ what ’ of the physical classroom , many respondents addressed the ‘ how ’ of the ideal classroom — how would students learn best .
Simply because we have a teacher and students in the room together , doesn ’ t mean we have to retain the traditional teacher- student dynamic . Hal Porter , an education consultant said , “ The savvy 21st century middle and high school teacher functions as facilitator , coach and resource ; the student functions as team member , researcher and creative problem solver ; and the classroom may extend , virtually and actually , beyond its walls .”
Similar views were expressed by others who felt that through virtual reality , electronic textbooks , interactive whiteboards , smart TVs , and other innovations , students would be more in control of their learning and benefit from it . “ The most awesome classroom is where students are self-directed and conferencing and making their own learning decisions with guidance ,” said Dr . Vicki Knopke , who has PhD in Technology Education from Brisbane , Australia .
It ’ s clear that technology and flexibility should be main factors in determining the design and layout of an ideal educational space . It would be enlightening to see what the space would look like and what the results would be when creative ideas such as hammocks , sun roofs and whiteboard walls are integrated into classrooms . We hope these results encourage educators and designers to really consider what matters when designing classrooms , think outside the box , and create the best spaces for today ’ s students . n
DAVID MOCTON is the President of Hertz Furniture , a nationwide dealer of 21st century educational furniture . David is passionate about providing schools with classroom layouts and furniture that enhance students ’ ability to succeed . David leads the popular ” Classrooms of the Future ” group on LinkedIn . He can be reached at dmocton @ hertzfurniture . com .
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