Clean Up The Mess

Wow, besides feeling completely overwhelmed at how much there would need to be done to alter the dynamics of the classroom, I would first and foremost communicate to the students that there would be some very big changes in the classroom that would be quite different from what they were used to. I would talk to them about change and how it's often difficult to come to terms with and adapt to, but that most often change can be a positive thing and open up new worlds of knowledge and understanding.

The first thing I would do in the classroom is change the seating arrangement from rows to groups, introducing the students to a cooperative learning environment where they would be working with their peers. I would then focus on group discussions so the students would be able to experience what it is like to engage with the class, and build on each other's ideas, but also to show them that by hearing each other's questions, rather than just voicing the question to the teacher, benefits everyone.

From here on I would plan lessons that would apply to all of the multiple intelligences in the classroom, and differentiate my teaching styles. That is, I would incorporate hands on activities where the students are not just answering questions, but creating projects and tactile products that demonstrate the student's understanding of the concepts.

The given scenario of a more traditional teaching approach goes to show how far our education system has come. However, such an environment closes the students out to so many possibilities. This scenario is one that you might find in the early 40' s or 50's, thank goodness.