Learning Activity 3-A-1

Getting the Picture

[Complete Offline]

No Submission

1. In your mind's eye, visualize your classroom. If you don't currently have a classroom, think of the last classroom you had or the last classroom in which you took a class.
2. Take about 4 minutes to jot down your impressions.
   • What is the space like?
   • What colors do you see?
   • What textures do you notice?
   • Is there a particular smell?
   • What's the lighting like?
   • Is the temperature warm or cool?
   • Is there any air movement? A breeze?
   • What sounds do you hear?
   • How would you describe this place to others? What words would you use?
   • What feelings or emotions do you have?
   • What does this place "say" to you?
   • How do you act while you are here?
3. Sketch a floor plan of your classroom, including desks, chairs, bookshelves, file cabinets, bulletin boards, closets, and so on.

Learning Activity 3-A-2

Environmental Challenges

[Forum]

14 points

1. Think of two aspects of the physical environment in your classroom that pose a challenge to teaching and learning. Examples: 1). The desks are bolted to the floor, and I can't rearrange them. 2) There are no windows, so there's no natural lighting.
2. Post these two challenges to the Forum.
3. Read your classmates' challenges and offer suggestions on how to meet at least two of these challenges. Your suggestions should come from your own personal experience or from an idea you've learned from a colleague.