The Individual Space
Figure 5. Window Pods. From OpenBuildings. Retrieved from http://openbuildings.com/buildings/vittra-telefonplan-school-profile-43177/media#!buildings-media/4. Copyright: Kim Wendt, Rosan Bosch. Reprinted with permission
The Physical Elements
The majority of current classroom layouts do not provide areas for independent learning due to the lack of space. This is unfortunate as we should be catering also for students who tend to be more on the introverted side of the scale. Schools lucky enough to have had a new open plan building added to their school will have the ability to provide areas for independent work. It is important we provide individual/private spaces, as quiet moments "allows one to finally have the chance to sort out the stimuli and make the connection click" (Herman Miller, 2004).
Strengths
Weaknesses
Curriculum and Pedagogy
Activities fostering critical and creative thinking should include not only collaborative tasks, but independent tasks also (ACARA, 2011).
Teachers and Students
Teachers should want to provide spaces that cater for all students, including those who are more introverted. These students will benefit from being able to remain in a type of environment that suits them.
The majority of current classroom layouts do not provide areas for independent learning due to the lack of space. This is unfortunate as we should be catering also for students who tend to be more on the introverted side of the scale. Schools lucky enough to have had a new open plan building added to their school will have the ability to provide areas for independent work. It is important we provide individual/private spaces, as quiet moments "allows one to finally have the chance to sort out the stimuli and make the connection click" (Herman Miller, 2004).
Strengths
- Support students who are more introverted than others.
- Provide areas of rest if needed.
- Some tasks are better suited to independent work.
Weaknesses
- It costs money to create more space for students to have individual space.
- Some students may want to always inhabit individual space and not venture into collaborative work if not encouraged by the teacher.
Curriculum and Pedagogy
Activities fostering critical and creative thinking should include not only collaborative tasks, but independent tasks also (ACARA, 2011).
Teachers and Students
Teachers should want to provide spaces that cater for all students, including those who are more introverted. These students will benefit from being able to remain in a type of environment that suits them.