One of the reasons that the open learning space enhances student’s learning in Stage 5 is the effect it has on group discussion. As students sit in groups of 5 or 6 most of the time, they have the chance to discuss issues and work with their peers. This suits students who are perhaps shy or do not want their views aired to the whole class as well as encouraging all to participate.
At the moment, Stage 5 are studying gender issues in our unit “Football is for girls?” This week they began work on “Stereotypes.” Although many of the activities are individual tasks, students were actively engaged in discussing various gender stereotypes and also how these have changed over time.
The configuration of the classroom also allows the teachers to circulate and assist where needed. As well as an increase in student-to-student interaction, the open classroom also supports teacher-to-student interaction. This gives teachers an opportunity to encourage students to develop views about themselves and the world around them in addition to increasing the depth in their questions and responses.
As a teacher it is a daily pleasure to be able to interact with the young people in Stage 5 and to assist in expanding their thinking and their horizons. Please encourage your child to extend the discussion of issues and opinions raised through their collegework at home.
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