Classroom

2023 - 2 - 6

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Image courtesy of "The Age"

Bringing the noise: Open-plan classrooms drive debate on distraction (The Age)

The Grattan Institute is urging the Victorian government to stop building open-plan classrooms and return to more traditional classroom design, ...

“They are accustomed to learning in spaces that have a different set-up to the traditional four-walled classroom. The research found there was no increase in noise, but that teachers needed more support to make the most of the spaces. “There is limited evidence about the impact of open-plan classrooms on student learning,” she said. “Let’s not address a noise issue that doesn’t exist.” They also worried about how the noise and distraction affected students with learning challenges. [Adam Carey](/by/adam-carey-hvek6)is Education Editor. [Sign up here](/link/follow-20170101-p57ogt). This might mean using doors, movable walls or furniture to create barriers,” the authority says. This forced them to co-ordinate noisy or quiet class-time activities with other teachers. Educators can use them in different ways to educate students. “Putting in the doors and the glass actually created way more flexibility in terms of how the teachers were using the space,” O’Keeffe said. “Nobody in the school wanted to be in that room,” she said.

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Image courtesy of "3AW"

Grattan Institute issues open-plan classroom warning (3AW)

Open-plan classrooms are impeding student learning, the Grattan Institute has warned. The think-tank is calling on the state government to move away from ...

It is also suggesting the government provides funding to convert open-plan classrooms that have already been built. Press PLAY below to hear why the Grattan Institute is concerned about open-plan classrooms Open-plan classrooms are impeding student learning, the Grattan Institute has warned.

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Image courtesy of "Eight, Arizona PBS"

How to jumpstart engagement in the classroom (Eight, Arizona PBS)

New semesters are both exciting and stressful, but these techniques and resources can help jumpstart learning in the new year.

Challenge them to master a “yoga pose of the day.” Students can practice their tree or warrior poses while listening to the relaxing sounds of nature. [like this one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYm9FkWQc0Q) are quick and easy ways to help students ground into the present moment. Also, experienced yogis can try mastering [these more advanced poses](https://www.verywellfit.com/intermediate-yoga-pose-library-3567087). [Cha Cha Slide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWBLyKB9Ok8), [The Sid-Shuffle: Continental Drift](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMuJxd2Gpxo) and [Shake It Off](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP3CIHGmPMM) by Taylor Swift. Examples include, “Do five jumping jacks,” or “Run in place for 20 seconds.” Make sure each student adds their ideas to the jar so you have plenty of options to choose from when your students are running low on energy or need a boost. [these engaging activities](https://np1.nearpod.com/sharePresentation.php?code=f8761cdbfc53df55582ef535a52ce109-1) to teach students how to measure their own heart rate while also exploring different mindful breathing and meditation techniques. Give each student two to three pieces of paper, and have them write out a different heart-pumping activity on each piece. These are highly effective mindfulness tools because they appeal to the visual, auditory and tactile senses all at once. Intentions push us to clearly define our goals, discover the reason for wanting to achieve them and help us create a path to do so. Plus, your students can calculate [their active heart rates](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PKklDoNOTVkCc9CNtNtcgiYI4IalMe_GhxPseqn9WCY/edit?usp=sharing) after they bust some moves. Download it [for free here](https://www.bjclearn.org/resiliency/PDFs/031110.pdf). Setting intentions is one of the most powerful tools to help teachers and students readjust after a long break.

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