Often when people talk about The Infused Classroom, they think it’s only about the infusion of technology and pedagogy – which we seek to improve by infusing the classroom with great teaching and learning in this area – but it is so much more!
The Infused Classroom honors the student, the experience and the time period.
These are not in order of importance because every aspect of The Infused Classroom is integral to all the others. This concept is driven by interdependence. All components are used in equal measure. One without the other is incomplete.
The Infused Classroom is:
- Flexible – a classroom that offers unique space for seating and learning experiences. It is a place that is not only arranged for movement and collaboration but one where the teacher does NOT believe they are tied to EVERY standard. The atmosphere and honors diverse learning styles and diversity of thought. These classrooms still have structure, but they honor the individual and alternate routes to learning.
- Information-Rich – Access to devices, information and a larger learning community are prevalent in this classroom. The focus on this access is on creating powerful learning environments.
- Collaborative – students to work together to take learning and construction of knowledge to new heights. The classroom walls are torn down and the doors are metaphorically always open so that students can work with classrooms in other geographical locations and experts who might be able to better help them make meaning of something.
- Differentiated – able to meet the needs of a diverse group of learners by allowing different resources for different learning styles and different access points by honoring each student where they are.
- Inquiry-driven – Trevor Mackenzie author of Dive into Inquiry says “ Inquiry -driven proposes that questions and student interest can be the best indicator of student success. It honors that a learners’ inquiry and curiosity should be as highly regarded as content when it comes to critical importance to engagement, relevance, authenticity, and achievement.”
- Creative – Like The Tech Rabbi author of Educated By Design says, ”A creative classroom is a space where students can research explore and attempt to solve interesting problems that they care about. Learners in this environment seek out the unknown, embrace failure, and believe that the best solutions are achieved through collaboration and an empathetic lens“
- Connected – Is open beyond the four walls of the classroom. It lets people in and allows students outside of the room. Students are engaged in authentic learning, inquiry and real-life situations. There is a global focus.
- Personalized– This is more than giving students choice in their assessments – It’s about honoring the individual, developing passions and as David Price says in his book Open – it’s about “Understanding how people learn when they have a choice, and bring that into places where they are required to learn.”
- Mindful and Empathetic – Being open, aware and compassionate toward diverse ideas, learning styles, entry points, experiences and the uniqueness of an individual’s story. Knowing that we need balance – understand the whole person – and there is life beyond our own worlds.
- Inclusive – respect for learning differences and racial and gender diversity, It honors each student where they are – to say “Sawubona” which is a Zulu word that means “I see you, I honor who you are in this world” so that each student feels safe and respected.
- Movement – students need to move to get out of their desks, they need to construct knowledge – flip it and turn it upside down so to speak. There should be touch, movement from place to place, and time to get oxygen to the brain so that learning can be solidified. Tip: use a timer and if students have not moved in 20 minutes find a way to make it happen.
- Student-Driven – This is where Student Voice lives, and a teacher can start by simply changing the focus of questions. Instead of students answering them all the time – allow them the space to ask them and then give them the resources to find an answer. Teach them how to ask questions and make meaning of content. Then honor the different roads they will take. Allowing them to have a say in their own learning will be one of the best changes a teacher will ever make.