School Environments
What kind of school environments optimize the way students learn, teachers teach, and communities interact? Schools that take a whole child approach to education are conscious of the intersection between physical space and the cognitive, social, and emotional development of students, rather than focusing on one element in isolation. The learning environments we create—the physical along with school climate—can either help or hinder learning, development, teaching, and collaboration.
From the Whole Child Blog
Shaping Spaces to Facilitate Learning and Development
Winston Churchill was on to something when he said, "We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us." How are our schools shaping our students' learning experiences; social, emotional, and cognitive development; behavior; and readiness for college, careers, and citizenship? What do our schools say about our values and views of learning, teaching, children, educators, and the role of the community in schools?
Beyond our school building, the ways we set up classrooms and cafeterias, use school buildings after the bell, create learning opportunities outside the classroom, and display student work in halls and on walls speak volumes about our learning cultures. Educators with limited or no financial resources who are committed to transforming the learning culture can use student input, research, creativity, and ingenuity to guide the re-creation of learning spaces. Although some communities have the luxury of building new schools, many others have had to retain design elements from the first half of the last century. And most of us remember design fads that have come and gone because they weren't effective.
Whole Child Examples
High School Example
Supporting Disengaged Youth In and Beyond School
Albury Wodonga Community College is an independent school for disengaged youth who face multiple barriers to learning and engagement in school.
All School Environments Examples
High School Example
Strong Values Guide School Community to Success
Elementary Example
School Serves as Community Hub
High School Example
Diversity is School’s Strength
Elementary Example
Community School Provides Easy Access to Host of Services
Community Example
Related Posts
Byrne Creek Secondary: A Collaborative Community Opportunity
2012 ASCD Outstanding Young Educator Award Winners
Podcast
School Environments: Transforming Learning Spaces
In this episode of the Whole Child Podcast, learn what kind of school environments optimize the way students learn, teachers teach, and communities interact.
