Space to Educate - Concept Presentation

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Space to EducateAllen CaiDesign Out Loud: Index CompetitionJason DePerro11.10.10

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 2

The Problem

A lack of furniture and structure within the classroom

An overall lower quality in the educational experience

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 3

Creativity in Education

Explore and discover the world of knowledge around them

Ask questions and engage themselves in the learning process

Become more proactive both in and out of the classroom

Enrich overall education experience

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 4

What Promotes Creativity in learning?

Overcoming current systems of belief, especially at a young age

Novel Thinking

A collaborative environment encourages children to provide their own opinions and arguments, as well as reinforce beliefs of thought through explanation.

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 5

Finding a Balance:Active vs. Passive Learning

Allows freedom of communication and exploration

Harder to control and can also be unproductive if used in excess

Individual-based, allowing each student to focus on the teacher and his/her work, and trains discipline

Leads to a lot of pressure on fhe student, and may be very intimidating. leading to less communication and interaction

Active

Passive

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 6

Put it in ContextCreativity in a classroom space

Active learning = group oriented arrangements

Passive learning = row/individual oriented arrangements

A curriculum and set of arrangements that alternate between these two learning styles during the school day to keep students engaged and attentive, drawing strengths from both ends while avoiding the downfalls of excess

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 7

Dynamic ClassroomPhysical and Mental Changes

Much more reactive to physical stimuli and changes in the environment

Supplements well with mental changes in the curriculum, such as switching to a different subject

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 8

When’s the Right Time?User and Age Range

Children in the 1st grade level have developed a fundamental knowledge base (such as color, shapes, numbers, etc.)

1st graders are still highly influenced by environmental factors of the classroom when learning

1st grade is also the time when children begin to fall behind their peers, so it is that much more important that they are pushed and aided in their learning

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 9

The Teacher is still KeyGreater Flexibility leads to Greater Responsibility

Must still manage students collectively and at an individual level

Understand what arrangements work with certain pieces of the curriculum, and when to change between them

Furthers the notion that the teacher is a guide, a composer rather than a boss or dictator

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 10

the ConceptConsiderations

Modular/Portable/Lightweight - can be moved around the classroom (preferably by the children)

Low Cost/Simple Materials/Construction - accessible to smaller villages and communities

Universal Value - we’re enriching a child’s learning experience, and it should not be hindered by the above limitations

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 11

the ConceptVariability in Interaction

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 12

the ConceptForm Development

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 13

In the Classroom“Morning/Homeroom”

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 14

In the Classroom“Groups of four”

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 15

In the Classroom“Circle Time”

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 16

In the Classroom“Pop Quiz”

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 17

In the Classroom“Vocabulary Game”

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 18

In the Classroom“Outdoor Lesson”

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 19

Moving ForwardNext Steps

Define material options and variability

Consider expansion on base model - adding legs? multiple surfaces?

Exact construction - make sure everything can be made easily and with little resources

Allen Cai | Space to Educate | Prof. Jason DePerro | November 10, 2010 20

Thank You.