Gone are boring lessons where students sit still in one spot. At Dewey, the “Moving Classroom” is always lively and bustling, serving as a creative and dynamic playground that keeps TDSers on their toes.
Familiar activities like the “Flipped Classroom,” “Station Rotation,” or the “Choice Board” have become highlights and essential elements of every lesson. Students are encouraged to unlock their potential, embrace their individuality, and confidently “beyond the blueprint.” This innovative approach has fostered an energetic learning environment where TDSers enhance their academic performance and develop holistically in skills, critical thinking, and creativity.
1. Station Rotation
The Station Rotation activity at TDS is designed to enhance students’ proactivity and teamwork skills. Each classroom is divided into multiple stations, with each station assigned a specific task related to the lesson content.
Organization:
- Station 1: Study the theory through materials or instructional videos.
- Station 2: Practice solving exercises or conduct hands-on experiments.
- Station 3: Engage in group discussions to share opinions or debates.
- Station 4: Complete individual tasks, such as writing essays or creating posters.
Benefits:
- Students experience different approaches to a single lesson topic.
- Develop communication, teamwork, and time management skills.
2. Task Playlist
The Task Playlist is a list of learning tasks that students are required to complete within a set timeframe. The tasks are designed to be diverse, allowing students to choose how and when to approach their learning in a way that suits them best.
Organization:
- Students receive a playlist containing tasks such as reading materials, watching videos, completing exercises, or participating in group activities.
- Each task is assigned a specific score or completion time.
- Teachers provide support and answer questions as needed.
Benefits:
- Students develop self-management skills and take responsibility for their learning.
- Creates a flexible environment that accommodates each student’s learning pace.
3. Choice Board
The Choice Board allows students to decide how to approach their lessons based on their preferences and learning styles.
Organization:
- Teachers provide a board featuring various activities, such as:
- Creative Activity: Create an illustration related to the lesson.
- Writing Activity: Draft a short essay.
- Hands-On Activity: Conduct an experiment or build a model.
- Students select one or more activities to complete.
Benefits:
- Encourages creativity and personalizes the learning experience.
- It helps students develop diverse skills aligned with their strengths.
4. Flipped Classroom
In the Flipped Classroom model, students study theoretical content at home using videos or materials provided by the teacher, then use class time for practice and discussion.
Organization:
- Before class: Students watch lecture videos, read materials, or complete preparatory exercises.
- During class: Teachers facilitate group discussions, address questions, or guide advanced exercises.
- After class: Students complete assignments and review the material on their own.
Benefits:
- Optimizes in-class time for hands-on activities and discussions.
- It helps students develop self-directed learning and critical thinking skills.
5. Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Project-Based Learning is a method where students work on a specific project to solve a problem or answer a question related to the lesson.
Organization:
- Stage 1: The teacher presents a big question or real-world problem for students to explore.
- Stage 2: Students work in groups to research, gather information, and plan the project.
- Stage 3: Implement the project (create a product, give a presentation, or write a report).
- Stage 4: Report, evaluation, and feedback from the teacher and classmates.
Benefits:
- Enhances problem-solving and teamwork skills.
- Connects theoretical knowledge with real-life applications, helping students retain and apply knowledge more effectively.
So, what’s your favorite activity in the Moving Classroom? Leave a comment below and share it with us!
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Get Students Moving is a campaign initiated by The Dewey Schools, featuring a series of diverse stories centered around the dynamic and creative “moving classroom”—a space where students are at the heart of every activity. Here, they are free to move, interact, and create their own unique learning experiences. Movement is not only reflected in their active steps along the journey of knowledge discovery but also in their ever-evolving world of thought and imagination.
Find out more about “moving classroom”: https://bit.ly/GetStudentsMoving.