Redesigning Classrooms

In Papua New Guinea in our class, the desks and sitting arrangements were regularly arranged and rearranged. Also, the front and back areas of the class were always empty spaces. They were used for various learning activities. Sometimes they were a lab, or a library. Often educational exhibitions, projects, and hands on learning happened out there. A classroom needs to be very innovative in design, and colourful, which has adjustments for students with disabilities.

If a student unexpectedly fell ill, she/ he could rest at the back of the class on bedding in our Papua New Guinea school, and students were requested to talk softly so that she/ he could sleep. That helped the child recuperate instead of having to walk to another place in school for much needed immediate rest.

A section of one of our classrooms was segregated by moveable wooden mini walls for some quiet time. Students who needed to read for longer, or required a quiet environment to refresh their minds used that space. An area like this may be used for yoga and meditation.

The floor in our Papua New Guinea class was clean and carpeted. We often had classes sitting cross-legged on it. In India, much of spirituality learning is done in the same manner, but we often shy away from encouraging that in schools. We were nearer to the teacher when we sat around her on the carpet. Each day began and ended like this. We started off the day with class discussions, and ended with a story session.

When back in India, I learned that in vernacular schools and educational institutes for poor/ middle class kids, children sat together cramped in row benches. In convent schools, separate desks was the norm. The teacher had a larger desk, and at times a podium. I came across the term ‘classroom redesigning’, where I read reasons as to why some teachers are deciding not to have a big desk, so that students can get more space.

There are spaces at high end commercial places which may not reopen too soon. We need bigger classrooms with fewer kids which is difficult in a country with a huge population like ours. These places which will start functioning later may lend or rent them at affordable rates to schools so that students of Class X and XII can study with greater social distancing. I advise this only when it’ll be much safer for students to go to a class and study.

Till we control our population, maybe schools will need to shoot up higher to have larger classrooms, with more space for every child. I think our government needs to spend money on giving learners more physical space.

I remember how when in Class 3, a teacher who was taking an exam on teaching, made the class layout like one in Japanese schools, while teaching us on Japan in geography. She rearranged the desks in various layouts and grouping methods regularly, so that within a month, we got to know and befriend each and every classmate. When sitting positions never change, you often only know the child who sits next to you better than the rest of your classmates.

Another teacher in Class 3 had arranged for a mini library in class. In between tiring lessons we would read story books. Each student was encouraged to contribute one book to class. Also she converted the adjoining terrace to a wonderful garden for nature study lessons.

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https://pixabay.com/photos/classroom-school-learn-student-435227/: Image by Shannon Anderson from Pixabay: Picture courtesy