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National Teachers’ Day: The future of the physical learning environment
Photos courtesy of Singapore Intercultural SchoolTeachers take center stageIndonesian teachers will take center stage when National Teachers’ Day is celebrated on Nov
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Photos courtesy of Singapore Intercultural School
Teachers take center stage
Indonesian teachers will take center stage when National Teachers’ Day is celebrated on Nov. 25. The Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) will also celebrate its 22nd anniversary. In celebrating this special day, The Jakarta Post is running a special edition on education highlighting teachers’ role in today’s digitalized and ever-changing world.
It is widely acknowledged among today’s educators that modern day classroom needs are very different from those of conventional classrooms.
A video, themed “The people vs. the school system” (NESTE, 2015), starts with a goldfish in a fishbowl. It forced educators and school leaders to reflect on our education system and the way we deliver our programs in the modern day schooling environment.
Recently, research in education referred to the future of the physical learning environment (OECD, 2011) as the “21st Century Classroom.” The focus of a 21st Century Classroom is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop the skills they will require to face the future, which include: effective communication skills, collaboration skills, higher order thinking skills, making them proficient in using technology and all other skills they may need in the 21st century workplace.
The Singapore Intercultural School, Indonesia (SIS BonaVista) has evaluated the possible impact on students’ future and has worked on upgrading the school’s physical learning environment so that learners can align with 21st century demands.
The following is evidence of learning and support at SIS BonaVista.
Student-centered learning:
With the paradigm shift in education, SIS BonaVista teachers are facilitators in the classrooms. They guide students, providing feedback and support while students play an active role in the learning process. Student-centered classroom environments cater to each students’ needs, abilities and learning styles.
Collaborative learning:
Learning in groups enhances the development of new ideas, sharing of knowledge and exposes students to opposing viewpoints. Working in isolation can hardly be found in any workplace nowadays.
Collaborative learning activities at SIS BonaVista include interdisciplinary group projects, collaborative writing, pair work in problem solving, group presentations and more.
Inquiry-based learning:
Students participate actively when the activities offer them the opportunity to discover new skills, questioning the unknown and gaining new information leading to understanding in their own pace. When students are encouraged to take an active interest in learning, they are more likely to retain the knowledge they have accumulated.
Self-Directed learning:
The modern classrooms invite self-directed learning. Students are given the opportunity to take initiatives in their learning through projects and other activities. They can formulate their learning goals, implement their learning strategies and even evaluate the learning outcomes.
Flexible learning environment:
The 21st Century Classrooms have flexible layouts, inviting personalized learning for different learners; group stations, individual stations, etc. There is a variety of different seating options allowing for maximum utility of space: work stations, mats, low chairs, high chairs, sofas, floor tables, etc. The classroom furniture accommodate the natural need to move, which enhances circulation and concentration throughout the day.
Technology integration:
The 21st Century Classroom is equipped with technological devices; such as computer stations, projectors, software, etc. More than just computers, it is important for students to understand how to use technology efficiently and ethically. The use of technology in different disciplines gives students insight into its importance. Technology also stimulates curiosity and inspires students’ desire to learn.
Understanding and Organization:
The celebration of learning, through students’ work and projects, builds confidence in students. Our learning wall is well-organized with student displays, reflection and sometimes teaching notes. Students can read what other students think and lots of sharing of ideas take place on the wall. Students can also consult the list of upcoming events to maintain organization.
Performance-based assessments:
The purpose of assessment is to understand to what extent learning has taken place. Teachers conduct various assessment, including performance-based assessments; such as quizzes, projects, etc. which are not restricted to tests. Assessments are designed to the abilities and needs of our students.
The future of the physical learning environment - 21st Century Classroom- is being implemented in many schools worldwide, with results shown through the increased engagement of students.
Sir Ken Robinson mentioned in an article in Education Week (Feb.2017) that educators needed to shape the future of our learners by providing them the right space and opportunities.
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The writer is chief academic officer at SIS Group of Schools (Indonesia).
