Designing An Inquiry Style Classroom

Designing an INQUIRY style classroom

Collaborative design in practice

1st steps…

• “inquire”• Select a room• “inquire”• Develop a vision• “inquire”• Ask the users• “inquire”• Fine tune the vision

Comments from teachers

• Space• Flexible space• Good lighting• Movable seats• Work areas• Comfortable seats• Ownership• No front to room

Things to note

• People are not used to being asked, and therefore, won’t always have ideas!

• Some people will have too many ideas and de-rail the project!

• There has to be someone driving the project who “gets the big picture”!

• Individual ideas need to be seen thematically!

Next step…

• Turn ideas into themes

• Turn themes into plans

• Consult with architect!

• Represent the users fairly

Multiple Lessons-presentations

Single presentation-lecture

Teams-group work

Round table-discussion

Conventional-compromise withRegistrar’s Office

Ceiling Plan-note improved lighting-multi screens-no real front to room

Room Elevations-screens on 4 walls-black boards-white boards-corkboards-acoustic treatments

Next steps?

• Consult with users again re: equipment requirements

• Storage

• Ease of use

• Buy-in!!!

• Each step demands more INQUIRY!!!