If dominant learning theories are categorized by the following theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, and Social Psychology; how do we use these theories to influence our learning environments? This is a question I've been answering for years. I have the distinct benefit of working in a few classrooms as a Theatre teacher and for the past five years, a Theatre and TV Production teacher. I've taught in portables, auditoriums, small rooms, large rooms, gyms, and a cafetorium that reeked of disappointment.
Thankfully, they all served as the location of my school family. I began my teaching career by taking over for a teacher who lost control way before I took command. Students were making out in the back of a perfectly square room and my classroom textbook was a mangled up teacher resource book from a previous decade. I was gifted a bunch of folders containing "dittos" that essentially proved to be busy work. Did I mention my first full-time position was in a middle school? The physical learning environment was divided into rows and columns. Every classroom was divided into rows and columns except the art room which had large tables.
During an impromptu last twenty minutes of school on a Friday afternoon with no more work to accomplish, we moved seats and sat in a horse shoe shape for a game. As we were playing, I noticed the kids were more engaged than ever before. They were talking to each other and me. We were building trust. At the end of the school day, I got up at the opening of the horse shoe of chairs and ended class like never before. As the kids were leaving, they commented to each other that we should keep the same set up in class. That was the birth of my classroom environment.
As the horse shoe shape evolved into a "U" shaped class, I noticed my classes flowed with a sense of community. No one person is more important than another and everyone in the class is able to be seen and heard. It opens the door for collaboration and a great middle area where performances and presentations can be made and enjoyed. I am currently lucky enough to have a carpeted floor where my students use flexible seating to work on various activities and staging possibilities.
Lastly, ambiance plays a key role in how our class environment is perceived and felt. I'm not sure where in the sixteen years of teaching this began, but Youtube's instrumental tracks have played in my classroom to set the tone for years. Rainy Night Coffee Shop Ambiance plays as my stressed out students quickly run into class and take a deep breath before we begin. As mental health concerns continue to rise, I want my students to be relaxed and ready to learn in a positive environment where learning theories are intertwined in a relaxing collaborative environment.
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