TRANSFORMING classrooms into less teacher-centred, more collegiate learning centres is the latest innovative teaching approach as Catholic schools continue to exceed the challenges posed by modern learning needs.

Year 6 teacher Emma Young, at Holy Family Primary School at Gowrie, is leading the school project to transform classrooms into vibrant learning spaces that ditch the traditional model of desk-bound students focussing on the teacher.

Emma’s Action Research is one of dozens presented at the Catholic Schools Action research and School Improvement and School Improvement Showcase  at the Canberra Convention Centre.

After research into the theories of international educators pioneering new ways to stimulate young minds, Ms Young concluded that the teaching environment should no longer be about ‘pouring content into heads’, but ‘considering spaces where students can discover content for themselves.’

She states in her action Research Project Report Transitioning from a Classroom to a Learning Space: ‘The space set up needs to match the style of teaching and plays a large role in inhibiting or enabling learning to occur’.

Drawing on the research of US educational theorist Diane Oblinger, Ms Young concluded: ‘Stereotypical 1900 style classrooms with each child sitting at a desk, in rows, no longer matches this updated research. As well as the above principles, comfortability plays a large part with students needing to feel comfortable and safe.

‘Not overwhelming them with large amounts of colour, work examples and resources ensure they are not over-stimulated, and in a sensory zone of comfort.’

At the start of the 2017 school year, Ms Young turned her classroom for 24 year 6 students into ten desks plus 18 other working spaces using a couch, futon, beanbags, coffee table and lap desks.

She limited wall displays and chose colours to create a calm and non-overwhelming atmosphere.

Ms Young sought and received continuing feedback from parents and fellow teachers during the year, which was encouraging. Her Report recommends that flexible learning spaces become a prominent feature of Holy Family’s future pedagogy. It also concludes that while initial costs could be substantial, benefits would be seen through higher student engagement and collaboration across all year groups.

 All Showcase presentations will be made available online and via the next edition of Celebrate.