The concept of literacy has changed tremendously when you think about the 21st-century classroom. In “Technology to Teach Literacy: A Resource for K-8 teachers” the authors discuss how there has been a major shift in paradigms. They go into detail about the behavioral paradigm where students have a list of language arts skills to achieve and they do so by sitting in their desks, which are placed into neat little rows, while they listen to the sage on the stage give the information to his or her classroom full of sponges, just hoping they soak it all up. Although there are still classrooms that operate in this fashion, I feel like a great majority of teachers have made an attempt to move to the social constructivist paradigm which promotes, “Collaboration, listening, viewing and sharing, locating and storing information.”(pg. 8)
I see these shifts both as a teacher and as a parent. When I reflect on my own classroom, I think about how my students are no longer in rows or sections, but sit in pods or tables to elicit collaboration and discussion. They create presentations, submit assignments through Google Classroom, conduct research and give feedback to each other. I see these changes with my own boys as well. My youngest son is in 2nd grade and inside his folder I found a series of login information for Clever, Prodigy, SeeSaw, and Freckle. As a proud Momma and a teacher, I think it’s pretty cool to login to SeeSaw and hear my 7 year old talk about a book he just read. When I was in second grade, I would have ultimately achieved the same goal by producing a written book report. However, my son gets to use various Apps on an I-pad to practice those necessary skills that our students need today. The authors of “Literacy 2.0: Reading and Writing in 21st Century Classrooms” remind us that, “Literacy functions remain the same while the tools have changed.”(pg. 6)
References
Anderson, R. S., Grant, M. M., & Speck, B. W. (2008). Technology to teach literacy: A resource for K-8 teachers. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall.
Frey, N., Fisher, D., & Gonzalez, A. (2010). Literacy 2.0: Reading and writing in 21st century classrooms. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
My classroom is similar to the one you described in your post. I have all my students in groups. We no longer even have desks we have tables. My room currently has six tables and it is my second year like this. I am still getting used to this because the students do not have a place for all their stuff. I have used crates the past two years but this year it is getting messy because I have two classes.
ReplyDeleteI also use Prodigy and Seesaw. I have not heard of Freckle before. My students love using Seesaw so far and the parents seem to respond positively to it as well. I love that they can type then record themselves as well. I have had parents say they love Seeesaw more than Class Dojo...which I didn't think was possible. :)
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteRE: "When I reflect on my own classroom, I think about how my students are no longer in rows or sections, but sit in pods or tables to elicit collaboration and discussion."
I see lots of discussion about flexible seating options and I think that is great. I did away with rows more than 25 years ago. I see flexible seating options as away to encourage collaboration and communication among students. However, a change in the seating pattern will not impact learning unless it is accompanied by a change in pedagogy as well. I read an interesting article this morning about the topic. Check it out:
Flexible Classrooms: Research Is Scarce, But Promising
https://www.edutopia.org/article/flexible-classrooms-research-scarce-promising
Dr. Dell
I love seeing so many classrooms that are utilizing open classrooms with pods and tables instead of the standard row seating arrangement. I currently work in an office and the number one complaint that I often hear is the lack of communication. As our students focus on these two skills, they will help to create a more communicative and collaborative working environment. As an educator, we are not only focusing on the “now”, but we also have to prepare them for their futures and what an excellent way to set them up for success.
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