How does a classroom room arrangement involve studentsin the learning process? What other motivational techinq?
How does classroom room arrangement involve students in the learning process? What other motivational techinques maybe used to keep students engaged and participating?
I had students around long tables. We were tight. But made it worth it for a discussion class.
for discussions & open-ended lessons, a circular [even squatting on ground] seating arrangement makes the kids more uninhibited, open, vocal.
i know from experience – while teaching a Bio chapter on population control, i was getting nowhere with the class during the conventional arrangement. we then went to an open hall, laid some rugs & sat in a circle. within no time, the discussion had heated up with everyone participating.
it helps to see the teacher at the same level as the kids – become one of them.
with tr in front, standing & kids seated facing her – that depicts a dominance-submission situation while sitting in a circle [with no beginning or end] represents equality & is hence more motivating.
activities, projects, puzzles, teaching-learning aids, multimedia, field-trips, debates, competitions, role-playing, dramatizing, lab-work, library referencing, etc. also help to engage students & provide an all-sensory, participatory, interactive approach to learning.
all these need to be used judiciously, depending on the subject & topic & gradel level.
reward & reinforcement, star-charts, individual & collective encouragement & support, incentives, interaction & bonding keep up or sustain the interest of the class.
further, if the teacher is proficient in her/his subject, teaching, communicating & interacting & loves the vocation & is approachable – it shows & transmits itself to the kids who learn to love the subject. there’s nothing like "walking the talk".
all the best
References :
I had students around long tables. We were tight. But made it worth it for a discussion class.
References :