In the configurable classroom blog series, we’ll explore a few ways Mosaic classrooms with configurable furniture can be arranged to support a variety of active learning activities. In this first installment, we’ll take a look at different ways to configure AD 1000, located on the IUPUI campus.
With seating for up to 24 students, AD 1000’s wheeled tables and chairs can at first present an overwhelming number of configuration possibilities. Today we’ll share four options for arranging the classrooms and suggest a few ways to engage your students in small and large group work, as well as whole-class interaction.
Arrangement #1: Three Groups of Eight
Large Group Work: This configuration allows for three circles of eight, which is ideal for large group work. The arrangement provides each student with their own large desk space and to make eye-contact with their peers as they collaborate. Student groups also have access to their own glass board for brainstorming and presentation.
Smaller Group Work: You can easily create smaller groups of two or three within the table group by asking students to work with the person seated next to them. Students can even pull their wheeled-tables away from the circle to create a temporary, smaller group. Then, for a larger group discussion or project-work, students can move their individual tables back to re-make the larger circle.
Arrangement #2 : Six Groups of Four
This configuration allows for ample space between the tables to allow a member(s) of one group to engage other groups.
Arrangement #3: Eight Groups of Three
This room configuration allows for eight smaller student groups of three.
Arrangement #4: Whole-class Presentation
Lecture/Guest Speaker/Student Presentation Mode: Moving the desks into a curvy line allows for all students to face the interactive touch screen for lecture, student presentations, or to view a remote guest speaker. Leaving an aisle in the middle allows easier access to individual seats.
Interactive presentation: To engage students during a lecture or presentation, leverage Solstice to allow students to share content (images, videos, their screens) from their own devices.
The configurations we’ve discussed here are just a few examples of what’s possible in AD 1000. If you’d like to share your own ideas, please add them to the comments below. If you’ve taught in AD 1000 and want to share your own experiences in this room, contact us to write your own blog.
Leave a Reply