Classroom Environment/Dynamics
The physical space of the LBS college classroom can have a significant impact on the quality and pace of learning. In the Managing the Classroom to Improve Student Commitment project, some practitioners reported having ‘permanent’ classrooms that are large and brightly lit with indoor plants, bookcases, motivational posters, magazine/pamphlet display racks, student projects and bulletin boards announcing community events. Some provide snacks and coffee for learners. Other practitioners, however, may not be so fortunate. They may have to share their classroom with other programs. This makes it more challenging to create a comfortable, stimulating space for learners.
Furniture in an LBS college classroom typically consists of a teacher’s desk, black board, filing cabinets, student desks and /or tables and chairs and computer stations. The arrangement of these items in the classroom and the security issues surrounding them can enhance or limit the kinds of learning activities that learners engage in. In some LBS college programs, students can work as a group with their classmates or they can choose to work on their own. In other programs where this is not feasible, they have the option of completing their assignments in the library.
TASK:
Take a tour of the classroom(s) assigned to you. Do an environmental scan.
How will the space and existing arrangement impact learning? Find out
if anyone else uses the classroom and what constraints may affect the
way the classroom is currently organized. Find out about security issues,
e.g., does the teacher’s desk or filing cabinets have to be locked
when you leave the classroom?
notes:
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Every LBS class s hould be allocated enough physical space to enable a variety of functions from lecture, to group discussion, to learning circles, to quiet individual study and confidential consultation to take place.
— Black [2]