Experimental Classroom
Overview | Space | Furniture | Technology | Continued Support
New Trier is committed to studying how classrooms (including technology, furniture and space) impact the teaching and learning environment, and to create new spaces to put this research into practice at both campuses. This web page details our Experimental Classroom Initiative, launched in the fall of 2010. The links below include more specific information about the pilot including charts, videos, and other information.
Overview
- Experiment with the impact of a larger space, nontraditional furniture, and new technology, with a goal of creating a collaborative, student-centered learning environment.
- Use reclaimed space, previously a computer lab and administrative offices.
- Staffed by teachers from various academic departments, with varied teaching experience and styles.
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Space
Furniture
- Steelcase Node chairs that rotate, so students can focus on a teacher who may move around the classroom, or on their group members while working on a collaborative exercise.
- The Huddle Boards (small, portable whiteboards) allow students to work independently and in small groups and share the results.
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Technology
- AV system allows a teacher to project to one screen, like in a conventional classroom, but also display images from three different computers or devices simultaneously, which facilitates group work, or allows the teacher to show different images and data.
- Student response systems (clickers) allow teachers to ask students questions and get instant feedback.
- Document cameras to present any object or document, from a worksheet to a historical artifact in full color.
- Tablet computers allow access to a wide range of programs and online resources.
- Digital cameras to capture and record their work to present to the class.
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Continued Support
- Teachers trained on new space.
- Teachers meet regularly to discuss their experiences, and share information about what works – and what doesn’t – in these classrooms.
- Qualitative and quantitative research is conducted on the impact to teaching and learning.
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