Flexible classroom layout is a trend that is increasingly being seen in schools. To talk about it, we met two specialists in the issue, Geneviève Marcoux and Isabelle Patenaude, who provide their advice.
First of all, to better understand this trend, Geneviève Marcoux, interim coordinator at the CS de Laval, suggests replacing the term “flexible planning” by “flexible environment”. Indeed, as Isabelle Patenaude, specialist at Brault & Bouthillier adds, it is a question of considering one's classroom as a living environment.
An environment that must reflect the pedagogy above all
What we remember: the environment created from flexible furniture must above all reflect the teacher's pedagogy. Also, it should especially not be a competition of the finest class! Indeed, teachers who adopt it must avoid comparing themselves to others. In addition, everyone has their own level of tolerance for noise and movement in the classroom. Finally, what can work one year may have to be adapted the following year depending on the characteristics of the students in the group.
In short, it is about listening to the needs of young people, but also to your own needs as a professional. Also, it is necessary to favor a versatile and adaptable material. We also recommend that you take the time to clearly explain the expectations of young people in their use of each of the zones of a flexible class.
Geneviève Marcoux and Isabelle Patenaude are reassuring: young people are able to adapt their behavior according to areas and tasks, just as they do at home, for example by reading lying in their bed, studying sitting on the floor, but by sitting upright at the table.
So, ball, ball chair, swinging stool, transitional chair, rocking chair, floor chair, low desk, high desk, will they soon furnish your classroom?
Listen to the interview for all the advice!
In addition, Carrefour education offers you its flexible planning guide.
Also: Teachers in Quebec and French-speaking Canada benefit from CADRE21's free online training on the flexible planning pedagogy, produced in collaboration with UQÀM.
Produced with the support of Carrefour Education.
