21st Century Classroom Round Table Discussion

November 3, 2010
Elementary Students Working At Computers In Classroom Using Keyboard Concentrating

In some respects, the term 21st Century Classroom has become a buzz word that lacks a clear definition. Many ascribe the term to mean the integration of technology into the classroom.

There is no doubt that technology is changing the way in which K-12 students are being taught and how they are learning is changing. However, in a broader sense, 21st Century Classroom represents a shift in the way in which students and teachers interact. In this new approach, the teacher is no longer the focus, instead everything centers upon the students and what it is they need to learn. In fact, the learning methodology typically centers on creativity, collaboration, communication and adaptability.

21st Century Classrooms

The 21st Century Classroom = a creation of a flexible learning environment. It is an environment where students can easily move from one learning station to another, working in teams, pairs or independently using various classroom structures including open spaces and large tables for group work. A learning environment where students can engage in “hands-on” learning and the use of technology is incorporated into all aspects of the process, not as a standalone activity.

In the 21st Century Classroom, furniture plays a critical role in supporting the learning process. We asked members of the Smith System team to share their thoughts on the subject and how organizations can support the creation of a 21st Century Classroom.

The intention of the 21st Century Classroom is to bring students together in a more interactive and collaborative environment. This shift in teaching changes everything and classroom furniture has had to evolve— from the functional needs to the shapes of the desks, chair design and storage needs.

186450 - Smith Systems - Spaces to Render - Interchange Diamond

Designing for Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication

The curriculum evolves with each grade and drives how students interact with each other and with the teacher, and lesson plans can require different classroom configurations. For example, the Learning Studio concept, which divides classrooms and libraries into spaces dedicated to certain learning tasks, like one-on-one tutoring or collaborative learning, is taking hold.

Without furniture that is designed to facilitate this kind of interaction, collaborative learning becomes very awkward. To meet these needs, Smith System is developing several new products, benching systems, and new seating options.

There are different methods of teaching being explored across the United States – from traditional methods to collaborative or cooperative ways to teaching. With the trend of cooperative teaching comes the need for flexibility – teachers don’t want to be locked into one way of learning. Along the lines of collaboration, there’s a lot more peer-to-peer teaching, which furniture needs to support in flexibility and configurations.

In terms of what to keep in mind when specifying or bidding on furniture for the 21st Century Classroom environment, it is important to think of the classroom furniture as a system. Ponder on what style(s) of learning should take place in that particular classroom/subject and then populate the classroom with the furniture that meets these needs. To purchase desks and chairs first and then force learning to fit that configuration would be a backwards and almost outdated approach.