CLASSROOM LAYOUT

Laptop Cart

My classroom would include a laptop cart because many school districts are now using Chromebooks or laptops in most of their classes and it would provide both me and my students with alternative means of research and studying course content (i.e. PowerPoints, individually watching videos, online review/assessment activities, topic research).

My ideal high school classroom (Grades 9-12)*

Desk Arrangement

My ideal high school classroom would include 24-26 students. The desks would be aligned in a "U" or horseshoe shape to provide an alternative to the standard history classroom layout (rows directed at the front of the classroom with SMART Board and PowerPoint). Providing a more relaxed atmosphere where everyone can see everyone else (as opposed to the backs of their peers' heads) while also still being able to see the SMART Board. This arrangement also allows the students to see each other and talk with each other when participating in whole class discussion.

Lighting

Although lighting is not depicted beyond the standard fluorescent lights, glow of a SMART Board, and natural lighting from the windows, I would like to be able to provide alternate sources of light like a lava lamp or a generic lamp for the same reason as my seating choices; to provide my students with alternate stimuli beyond the normal lighting in classrooms.

Teacher's Desk

My desk would be located to the right of the door with chairs to the left of it for students to meet with me in a less intimidating manner than straight in front of the teacher.

Seating

In my first field placement, I was able to observe one of my teacher's high school colleagues for two or three periods. I noticed that, in addition to the standard desks, she had placed a few cushioned chairs around the room. She told me that students need to have alternative seating choices because sitting in the hard desk chairs for a full period could be difficult. As a former student, who has had to sit in those uncomfortable chairs, I concur with what she said.

Therefore, I would like to provide alternative seating choices like beanbag chairs, sofas, and cushioned chairs. (I would have my students sit in recliners if I could get them to pay attention and stay awake.)

Also included in this alternate seating plan are alternate reading areas. Students can use these areas to work on course work (i.e. projects, papers, debate prep, textbook reading, view videos).

* Layout Notes:

1.) The black rectangle at the upper left corner of the image is a window.

2.) 1 desk in photo = 2 desks in classroom.