Field Experience Makeover Ideal Classroom

Complete the following steps:

Take photos of your current classroom from multiple angles. For
example, take photos as you stand on a high chair or table, sit on the
floor, and stand in different corners and the doorway.

Create the plan. The goal is to transform your learning space to

show the aspects of your ideal classroom. Your may even go beyond
the walls in your classroom. Include all of the different areas
necessary for this transformation.
Write a reflection anticipating how your classroom changes impact
students. Use these questions to guide your reflection.
a. How did your research and the creation of your model influence
your current perspective on classroom environments?
I wanted to switch my class from traditional rows to grouping
students in groups of 3 or more. By placing my students in groups, I
hope to engage students in learning through problem solving
collaboratively. This engagement should help improve students
communication skills. Working together should also help students
become less dependent on waiting for the teacher to rescue them
when they are stuck and instead strengthen their reasoning skills
through collaboration with their peers.

b. Describe the changes you can make that will make the most
positive influence on your gifted and advanced learners.

The biggest change is having technology available in the class.

Students can use computers or tablets to research information. I am
hoping this will encourage the students to be more independent
learners. Students will be able to research topics that interests them.
They will have at their fingertips an unlimited number of resources in
this setting. They will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge
beyond what I am able to provide within the regular 90 minute
classroom setting.

c. If there were no limitations, what additional changes would you

incorporate?

My current classroom is very small. Its approximately 23 feet by

28ft or 644 square feet. This is the smallest classroom I have
taught as many have been nearly double the size. I would make
the classroom larger. The desk are current placed along the
walls. With a larger room I can free up the wall space and make
room for dry erase or poster boards on the wall so that students
may utilize the space for writing and display of work.

d. How would these changes affect you and your instructional

practice?

If I were allowed to teach in the model described and shown above, it

will allow me the ability to use flexible grouping more freely. I can
 encourage my students to explore the curriculum with more depth and
tailor my instruction to fit individual needs.

References
Cash, R. M. (2007). Motivating Adolescent Gifted Learners. National Association of Gifted
Children.
Stepanek, J. S. (1999). Meeting the needs of gifted students: differentiating mathematics and
science instruction: its just good teaching. Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational
Laboratory.

Criteria for Reflection Yes Not

Yet
Thorough and thoughtful reflection
Research-based improvements, citations included
3-4 well-written paragraphs
Follows the rules of Standard English for grammar
and usage; free of punctuation, spelling, and
capitalization errors.
Before and after photos/scans represent the
described transformation.