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Managing an Open Space Classroom

Tips for Teachers in Open Air Classroom Setting

Dec 19, 2008 Jennifer Wagaman

When more than one class shares the same large space, cooperative teaching can be difficult without some creative solutions to lower the noise level.

Some schools have what are called open space classrooms. This is a school where more than one class share the same large area of space, with book shelves or other temporary dividers specifying the classroom boundaries. These classrooms can pose unique difficulties for teachers, especially when having students work together on group projects. It is possible to successfully teach in an open space classroom by keeping the noise level down, moving noisier activities elsewhere and working specifically with students who have ADHD.

Noise Level is Important

Teaching students how to keep the noise level as low as possible is the first step in a successful open space classroom. Some teachers use a "six inch voice" idea, to teach students how loudly they are allowed to speak. As students become more excited about learning, the teacher will have to work to remind them to keep their voiced down. Teachers need to have students move desks and chairs carefully and quietly as well, so as to minimize the distractions for the other classes.

Moving Noisy Activities Elsewhere

If you would like to have your students work together on a class activity that is by nature going to create more noise than is acceptable, consider moving the activity to another location. For example, taking the students out to the black top on the play ground during nice weather, or into a corner of the gym or cafeteria on cold and rainy days. This will help not only provide a better learning environment for the other classes around yours, but it will allow greater learning opportunities for your students as well because they will be able to verbalize as needed.

Managing ADHD Students in an Open Space Classroom

Highly distractible students, including those with ADHD, can have great difficulty learning in an open space classroom. In some cases it would be prudent to have the child moved to a self-contained grade level classroom, if there is that option available. If not, you must make the most of the situation. Make careful seating arrangements for optimal focus and concentration, and keep visual distractions to an absolute minimum.

Although teaching in an open space classroom comes with many challenges, careful management of noise levels can help significantly. File cabinets, curtains and book cases where appropriate can help to create a sound barrier as well, yet be careful with the amount of visual distraction. Work hard to help distractible students focus so that every student has the chance to be successful.

Learn more tips for common teacher issues.

The copyright of the article Managing an Open Space Classroom in New Teacher Support is owned by Jennifer Wagaman. Permission to republish Managing an Open Space Classroom in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Teaching in an Open Space Classroom