CLEANING UP THE CLUTTER

As teachers, we have spent years going to seminars and workshops in our pursuit to become better educators. During these conferences, we have managed to accumulate, create and collect a lot of things. We have also spent a lot of time and effort collecting these resources, and letting them go – although they clutter your classroom – is indeed a challenge.

So your classroom ends up looking like a storage room, rather than a place conducive to learning – clearly in contrast with the fact that classrooms are supposed to inspire students to work together and learn.

If we are in a bind when it comes to letting go of stuff we have collected over the years, let’s apply this principle: If we haven’t used something within the year, chances are we won’t end up using it – so, they become clutter. Better to just get rid of it, so save valuable space. Seems simple, right? It’s a big challenge, albeit an important one. During our pursuit to improve our teaching through courses and completing certifications, we have come to learn about brain-friendly learning. According to research, light, space, and room layout have a critical impact on physical and physiological well-being.

Also, according to studies from the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture, each feature of the architectural environment influences certain brain processes: stress, emotion, and memory.

It’s up to us educators to create learning spaces using key elements where we can make a positive difference for student learning. Items found in classrooms should directly impact student learning. Learning spaces should reflect a space to learn.

Let us note the importance of students having spaces they can call their own, so they may feel comfortable and welcome in a shared space. Materials should be neatly organized, hidden out of sight yet accessible, and available for students to obtain independently.

Students want to be comfortable inside a classroom, so we should provide them with the needed space. It would also do well if you would ask students what they’d like to see in their space, and you may just be surprised how they like their voices to be heard.

Let’s make a positive impact on education, and try to use techniques that are research-based, brain-friendly, affordable, practical, and impactful.

— oOo— The author is Teacher III at Mancatian Elementary School