COOPERATIVE LEARNING CLASSROOM DESIGN PATTERNS

Lecture | Questioning/Discussion | Team Teaching | Thematic Teaching | Integrated Curriculum | Cooperative Learning

This section of the cooperative learning module presents classroom design patterns. Because their bone and muscle structure is developing, middle grades' students (especially the boys) have a tendency quite often to "stumble" around. It seems that at times they can't move from point "a" to point "b" without tripping or bumping into something; at times the "stumbling" is on purpose, at times it is not. Sometimes, the "stumbling" is even accented. Whatever, in a middle level classroom, it is important to have a design pattern that provides for easy movement with as much open space as possible. Even if your classroom seems cramped, try to have a classroom design that has spaces and allows for easy movement. This is even more important when considering a design pattern to use with cooperative learning.

Cooperative groups can function successfully in any classroom design. Select a design pattern with which you feel comfortable and fits the dimensions of your classroom. Changing your classroom design to fit the cooperative group structure you are using at a certain time is also a good idea. Variety is always a good thing.

The three design patterns that are displayed in the graphic below are the more common design patterns, with the traditional and modular designs probably being the most common. Notice, too, the interaction patterns in each design.

Additional classroom design patterns can be found at http://www.teach-nology.com/ideas/seating .