The need to overhaul America’s approach to teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics has launched an ambitious initiative to reverse our nation’s decline in these areas. Not surprisingly, thought leaders in education indicate the most important ingredient to success is the willingness to change. They agree that it is pointless to continue pursuing methods that haven’t been working and to change the teaching style to fit the learning styles of today’s students and to better prepare them for solving tomorrow’s challenges.
More specifically, educators and academicians at the forefront of improving America’s performance in STEM subjects have approached their task in a way that’s just as logical, practical and evidence-based as the subjects themselves. You can drill down ten pages deep into a search of “STEM,” “successful STEM,” or “STEM classroom” and what you’ll find is study after study that evaluates and recommends pedagogies and teacher qualifications. While adapting those two areas has to be the two most important factors in the success of a STEM program in any school, other adaptations are called for, as well.
To cement a school’s commitment to project-based learning or collaborative learning or cooperative learning, its classroom environments must also change – and change quickly. Environments should be able to be reconfigured “on the fly” throughout the day. This change is necessary to support any new teaching method being instituted.
“My students’ ability to collaborate has greatly improved, no matter who’s in their group. Their confidence in trying new things has skyrocketed, too. They’re given opportunities to explore, fail, and not give up. I love seeing that.” So much so that she has her eye on securing funding to create O’Dell’s first “STEMineers” afterschool STEM club for grades 3–5 next school year. The furniture will again play a role in opening up the space to focus on more challenging projects…
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Whoever thought coding – and the people who do it – would be, well, cool? Clearly, it’s time to redefine “cool” in today’s 21st Century classrooms. In fact, students are so crazy about coding, that educators are scrambling to catch up. That means training teachers, finding resources, and building coding into classroom plans…
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For maximum longevity, invest in furniture that is modular and sturdy.
The extra cost – and functionality – is worth it.
The days of traditional, single-function classroom furniture are dwindling. The STEM classroom has students standing, sitting on stools, rolling on chairs, and casual lounging to collaborate. Above all, classroom seating must offer a range of movement, positions, and functions.
Project-based learning requires desks or tables capable of being arranged into compact pods that fit six to eight students. Having the flexibility and ability to rearrange the desk for uses in multiple ways is key. For example, desktops that taper back to front (think pie shape) allow for a tight circle or individual arrangements.
Table design and materials have certainly expanded to accommodate STEM. Work surfaces can now stand up to chemicals and heat, and height varies, all without compromising a large work area and stability.
Most of the student projects within the STEM environment will take place over more than one class period. It’s essential to have space to safely leave or store in-progress projects. And, educators need mobile classroom storage for organizing hands-on project materials and tools, as well as mobile units to house projectors and computers for presentations.
No matter where you are in the STEM planning process, it’s clear that STEM is here to stay.
“What are the key environmental elements to be changed?”
