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Dive Brief:
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Compton High School in California is debuting a new campus with a novel approach to classroom instruction: Instead of having their own traditional classrooms, teachers will use shared learning studios for instruction.
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Each learning studio will be fully equipped with movable furniture, projection screens, assisted hearing devices, a Chromebook cart with 30-35 devices, and interactive display boards.
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While not having a dedicated classroom has been the reality for “floating teachers” nationwide due to space limitations in some school buildings, the creation of the learning studios at Compton High School stems from a $225 million effort to modernize the school and explore technological improvements, according to Principal Larry Natividad.
Dive Insight:
According to the National Education Association, classrooms play an integral part in creating a safe and inviting learning environment for students. While the learning studio approach essentially functions similarly to college classrooms, it raises some concerns about providing high school students with the stability and relationship-building opportunities needed for that age group.
To help make up for some of that potential loss, NEA recommends offering teachers training on how to build connections with students instead of simply walking in, teaching and leaving.
Compton Unified School District leaders and architects worked together to develop the idea of learning studios as part of a new approach to public education, Natividad said.
He said the approach aims to foster more collaboration and community building among teachers. When educators are not teaching a class, they will work with colleagues to plan and share ideas in collaboration rooms based on grade level or subject area.
“We want to get away from the idea that teachers are private practitioners. Rather, we're part of a community," Natividad said. "Right now, a teacher could conceivably be isolated and really working in a silo. By doing this, we break the silos, and we're actually building communities of practice.”
If teachers need a private space to talk to a parent or to do some tutoring, he said, they can utilize one of the individual conference rooms or study session rooms that will also be available.
Natividad added that another benefit to the learning studios model is that teachers can set up the room in whichever way best suits that day's class. The movable furniture lends itself to reconfiguring the spaces as needed, whether that be for small groups or large classes.
繼續閱讀However, the walls of the learning studios — including some that are retractable so a room can be as big or small as needed — are untraditionally bare. Natividad said that the school is holding off on hanging items on the walls until it better understands the spaces.
He noted that finding a balance between maintaining the school's fresh, new look while including effective teaching practices that truly support student learning, is key.
Natividad said the general reaction to the learning studios from teachers has been a mix of excitement and caution. School administrators, he added, are committed to working closely with both staff and the teachers union to ensure all voices are heard, especially when it comes to establishing professional expectations.
To support this effort, the school has established committees made up of teachers and staff to help develop systems that promote a positive school culture.
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