Shop Subscribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

Classroom must haves for teachers plus essential teacher supplies, lesson plans and activities.

schoolyard-logo
  • Education Essentials
  • Inspiration & Planning
  • Learning Spaces
  • Topics
  • Search
  • < Previous post
    Next post >

    Classroom Management
    School Specialty • Jul 12, 2015 • Last Modified: Nov 20, 2017

    Quick Guide: Collaboration in the Classroom

    The Common Core and other next generation standards put an emphasis on students being able to work together, recognizing that collaboration will be a key skill in college and career. It can be a key determinant in your students’ success.

    Although students have been collaborating since the beginning of education, this new focus has led educators to come up with better ways to facilitate sharing and working together—and it often starts with the arrangement of their classroom.

    Collaboration station

    Although a flexible classroom design is optimal, it might not be possible in some classrooms. In that case, teachers often set aside a particular space for student groups to work together.

    It should have at least a table and chairs, but flexible seating that students can arrange themselves is preferable. Chargers and hard-wired Internet connections for the students’ devices would be great. Access to their own white board or, better yet, a SMART board or projector is ideal. If it can be separated from the other students to limit distractions, that’s even better.

    The ability to take control

    Collaboration can also mean working with the teacher. Investigate ways to provide students with methods to use the teacher’s presentation toys, like the projector or SMART board. Autonomy is key.

    Provide flexibility

    Students can’t work together if they are stuck in orderly rows of desks. It’s just not possible. If you’re stuck with old-school desks, make sure they can move around fairly easily. Think of bringing in some pillows or other seating that students can use on the floor to work in small groups. Again, students should be able to work with all of the assets in the room through their devices, without having to get up and plug something in (although if that’s unavoidable, so be it).

    Kids will have to be able to work together to be effective components of the 21st century economy. The skills they learn in your collaboration area can help them work with people around the globe, as long as they start learning best practices now. That starts with a functional space.

    Follow Classroom Direct’s board Collaboration Station on Pinterest.

    Recommended

    Seize Today, Transform Tomorrow: Back to School Planning Starts Now

    Back to School

    Seize Today, Transform Tomorrow: Back to School Planning Starts Now

    Why Books Matter: 3 Steps to Building a Successful Classroom Library

    Reading & Literacy

    Why Books Matter: 3 Steps to Building a Successful Classroom Library

    Inclusive Solutions to Support Social & Emotional Learning

    Special Needs

    Inclusive Solutions to Support Social & Emotional Learning

    School Specialty Acquires SchoolKidz to Make Supply Kitting Solutions More Accessible for Education and Non-Profit Use

    News

    School Specialty Acquires SchoolKidz to Make Supply Kitting Solutions More Accessible for Education and Non-Profit Use

    Explore The Schoolyard

    Education Essentials

    Inspiration & Planning

    Learning Spaces

     

    TopicsShop Subscribe

    Copyright © 2023 School Specialty, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement · Social Media Statement · Do Not Sell My Personal Information - CA Resident Only

  • CATEGORIES

    • Education Essentials
    • Inspiration & Planning
    • Learning Spaces
  • TOPICS

    • Arts & Crafts
    • Early Childhood
    • Special Needs
    • Physical Education
    • Educational Technology
    • Student Resources
    • Organization & Storage
    • Classroom Management
    • STEAM & STEM
    • 21st Century Learning
    • Reading & Literacy
    • Healthy Students
    • Teacher Life
    • Back to School
    • Celebrations & Seasons
    • Out of School
    • News
    • Math
    • Science
    • Topics
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube