DUBAI // A school in the emirate is changing the way lessons are taught by changing the layout of classrooms.
Gems Wellington Academy in the Silicon Oasis has merged 12 classrooms into a “blended learning plaza”. The new space has a conference area and corners where pupils can use computers to enhance their learning.
Furniture can be rearranged to suit lesson requirements.
“It’s a huge, open space and we have soft furnishings as well as wall screens that pupils can use to write and work on,” said Tracy Moxley, the school’s associate principal.
The switch to a “third teacher” concept is to provide space to eliminate distractions and improve learning.
The concept prioritises children’s learning environment.
Mrs Moxley said the school had adopted the concept across most grade levels.
“The classroom environment can play an important role in promoting learning and heighten student engagement,” she said.
“The idea is to encourage collaboration as well as developing critical, social and creative skills.”
The concept is popular with pupils because it affords them greater freedom to experiment and learn. But the need for traditional teacher-led learning remains, according to Mrs Moxley.
Munira Rajkotwalla, a 17-year-old Indian pupil, regularly uses the plaza for lessons and online classes.
“It’s different from the traditional method of teaching and it took a little getting used to, but I really enjoy the way we learn here,” she said.
Munira takes online courses in mathematics, psychology, English and Mandarin alongside fellow pupils in the plaza, which opened a year ago.
“You really get a customised learning experience and that’s really helped me to progress,” she said.
Muraad Ahmad, a 17-year-old Australian, echoed Munira’s sentiments.
“I’m more of an independent learner, so this type of classroom where you can work together or individually with other students is great,” he said.
“The fact that it’s more personalised means that if I have a stumbling block then I can overcome it. We also have normal lessons in the plaza and it varies depending on the teacher how the space is used.”
Liam Flynn, marketing manager for Office Inspirations, said the “blended learning plaza” was useful in helping students work.
His company designed a third teacher classroom that will be displayed at an education conference in Dubai in March.
Although technology was useful in many ways, it could also distract students from learning, said Mr Flynn, adding that the design of learning environments should seek to increase the focus and attention of students.
“These spaces are available for all ages, from FS1 [foundation stage] upwards,” he said.
“Teachers are able to choose the space they feel is best suited for the exercise they want to perform, resulting in the highest level of attention and engagement.”
nhanif@thenational.ae
