SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITY
Finger Buildings
Renovation Primer
How to teach new tricks to the original buildings on elementary campuses.
Consider the traditional model of long rows of identical classrooms. Although designed for daylight and seated views of nature, the learning model has changed considerably from the time period when they were built. Consider the traditional model of long rows of identical classrooms. Although designed for daylight and seated views of nature, the learning model has changed considerably from the time period when they were built. This model assumed that all learning styles could be accommodated within one space, however it is difficult or impossible to effectively support most inquiry-based learning models, from Project-Based Learning to STEAM. It assumed that teachers would work alone and plan inside their classrooms, discouraging teacher collaboration outside the four walls. Opportunities for differentiated learning and groups of different sizes are limited. As the learning model continues evolving, the inadequacy will become more pronounced, inhibiting critical learning styles and teaching practices.
The following images highlight some of the critical steps in transforming two finger buildings into a Small Learning Community.