Collaborate Collaborate Collaborate

This is one of the main reasons we believe in our Modern Learning Environments - teachers working together to evaluate their impact on student achievement!

Children using the Purposeful Spaces for Learning

Today I was working in Ropu Mahuri so my photo of the day reflects this. I thought I would capture our children learning in their purposeful spaces. Here they are working on an art project for their Learning Journal covers. 

There were four different guardian groups operating in this space, each with their own unique learning activity, however the children had the opportunity to choose a physical space that suited the learning they were doing and what type of learner they are. Some chose an independent space in the cave and were so focused they were oblivious to me taking the picture, others chose a buddy space and the top photo shows two students collaborating on the one piece. 

These children are being supported to be agents of their own learning by getting to know themselves and the way they learn best. They enjoy having a sense of ownership of their learning and therefore are more fully engaged in the process. It is a joy to be part of.

Purposeful Spaces for Learning

In the same way that our homes support and often shape the way we live, the way we live can shape our home. So to can our school environment support and shape the way we learn, and the way we learn can shape the way we design our classrooms and wider school environment.

Today's 'photo' of the day shows how the Ropu Mahuri teachers have organised their space into zones for authentic and engaging learning. There is the Meeting Zone, Collaborative Zone, Cave Zone and a new Zone for learning this year, called the Buddy Zone. A lot of thought has gone into the design of these zones to ensure that our students have a place that suits the type of learning they are doing as well as cater for the type of learner they are. 

These spaces allow  for a range of different learning experiences, such as reading, group work, project space, wet areas, reflection, and presenting. As well as for the learner who likes to work independently, with a buddy or in a collaborative situation.

We encourage you to come and see for yourself how learning happens in these spaces.