There is a reasonable amount of hype in the education community around the
subject of modern learning environment or MLEs.
Mark Osborne has written a good summary which is worth a quick read.
To accommodate and facilitate a best practice 21stC learning culture and
pedagogy, learning areas need to have space and flexibility to cater for
individualised and collaborative learning as well as large group or class
presentations. Learning resources, such as technology, need ready access and
ease of storage.
Wellesley is in a fortunate position having the whole school rebuilt over
the last 10-12 years with our school hall/gym being the last facility to be
completed. The design brief was driven by the learning needs of 21stC learners.
Our learning areas are all built over code so there is plenty of open space
adding to the teachers’ flexibility in implementing and facilitating the
curriculum. If needed, most classrooms can accommodate two classes of children
for activities such as meetings and presentations. We have break out spaces
between classrooms which are ideal for collaborative learning, or small group
teaching. These same spaces allow for individuals to pursue their inquiry
studies, practise speeches, model making, cooking etc
Throw in the mix, large specialist areas for the visual arts, music,
drama, dance, science, technology, learning support including GATE programmes
and our students are well supported. Last year we opened an incredible
resource, our new library. This is a stunning, stunning learning area and we
are all enjoying it immensely. The small auditorium attached is adding great
value.
Having large open playgrounds is a treat at the best of times but we are
spoiled with the sea at our front door and the bush at our back door. In
between are large fields, courts, creeks and a storybook dell where I am sure
angels come to play at night.
As Mark
Osborne says, “Working in an open, flexible learning environment where
inquiries are shared, interventions devised collaboratively and reflections
based on both self and peer observations, leads to a more robust, continuously
improving community of practice.”
We are very, very lucky with our MLE but, at the end of the
day, give me a committed and talented team of teachers to work with in a tent
over mediocre teaching in fine facilities. Fortunately we have the former and
solid pedagogy, passion and commitment will win out every time. It’s just nice
to support our teachers with current and relevant resources.
Lastly
enjoy this TV 3 clip on MLEs.
No comments:
Post a Comment