STUDENT based learning is a priority in the year 6 classroom of St Thomas More Catholic Primary School.
They sought to achieve this through the introduction of an interactive classroom, a communal space where students can take control of their own education under the guidance of teacher Nicole Teague.
The idea was introduced gradually last year with the leaving class of year 7s, the full realisation of it occurring this year for the first time with a finished classroom space, specifically designed by the school.
A round table, high stools, bright colour, the well loved ‘granny’ couch and a jenga-esque assortment of cushions and no separate desk for the teacher are some of the elements that set the room apart from others, where a personalised learning space is immediately recognisable.
The introduction of high end technology such as an Apple TV, a 3D printer and one to one ratio of laptops to students enables them to interact and teach each other their own ideas and allows contemporary skills to develop, according to Ms Teague.
She said all students have access to her teaching materials to reinforce ideas and allows the class to learn a concept in their own way at their own pace.
“We tend to glass ceiling children, when we have to let them go,” Ms Teague said.
“Nothing is hidden from them; they’re in charge of their learning.”
Students operate in self directed study, working in small groups and rotating through different spaces and work groups during the day to remain engaged.
“If they feel like they’re in charge of their own learning, they take off,” Ms Teague said.
The concept is very different from traditional teaching Ms Teague said, with new methods being introduced to provide more engaging ways to interact with the ‘digital native’ generation.
Students are currently working towards their end of term ‘Genius Project’, to present a discussion on a topic they find engaging in any way they see fit, some including the art of contemporary dancing, circuitry, digital artwork and animation, black holes and surfing competitions.
“How we learn, it’s just a bit more fun,” year 6 student Cooper said.
For Ms Teague, it is less about inundating students with information and more about investing in students the skills to navigate the masses of it available instantly at their fingertips.
