Chances are, your classroom layout looks pretty different than the one you experienced as a student. Over the past few decades, the set-up of classrooms has changed, emphasizing a focus on collaborative work and student-centered discussion. Though the traditional classroom model might be of desks in a row facing the teacher, the majority of classrooms now look more like pods or clusters of desks, or even a conference layout where the desks form an L or U shape around the room.
While these are undoubtedly excellent spaces the majority of the time, they are often not appropriate when asking students to work and study on their own. Expecting students to complete individual studies in spaces designed for collaboration can be frustrating for both teachers and pupils. Yet making this space available in the classroom is incredibly important for student success.
Why are study spaces important?
Where学生学习可以发挥重要作用出色地他们学习。即使在集团环境中学习最好的学生也需要学习安静，个人焦点的技能。虽然大多数课程时间可能在团队中工作，但是当学生需要单独工作时，存在临界时期。毕竟，这是一项使学生获得高等教育的测试 - 该行为和坐骑 - 单独管理，需要3个小时才能完成。AP测试和任何状态或地区都有相同的测试。
Still not convinced? Think about your students with IEPs. They often require special study carrels for test taking to reduce distraction, or the option for noise-canceling headphones to drown out ambient noise. These accommodations, while required for these students, can also prove incredibly beneficial for your general population.
像任何技能一样，大多数学生将受益于练习这些测试需要的安静和专注的研究。没有练习，学生不会培养应对分心，失去焦点和一般心理疲惫的能力。幸运的是，您可以通过提供学习空间来帮助学生可以在更加类似，有利于测试环境的情况下练习。
Trying out new study spaces
提供安静的学习和测试prep spaces in your classroom doesn’t mean a total restructure of your layout. Those of you with the above-mentioned study pods or u-shaped layouts can still integrate dedicated focus spaces into your classroom. Many teachers provide individual study spaces at the sides or back of the classroom where students can go to focus on a test or reading assignment. If you don’t already have these, try adding them in. And while it may be tempting to have them face the more active learning space of the classroom, try having the desks face a wall or window where students will be less distracted by the ongoings of the rest of the class.
While an unadorned desk is a great place to start,even better are study carrels that are specifically designed to block off any distractions and reduce noise. The flexibility inherent in the carrel design also allows you to move students to a wider variety of spaces within the classroom. Students who benefit from more natural light can move a carrell near a window, while another may prefer a quiet corner. For those without the resourcing for special materials, a makeshift barrier made from posterboard or even acardboard boxis a great alternative!
If you hesitate to allow students select their own seating, or don’t have the space/extra desks to add to your classroom, feel free to have all your students rearrange their desks. Particularly as tests get closer, it can be highly beneficial to have students practice working for a day (or more!) in a more traditional looking classroom. Think, forward facing desks in neat rows. After all, that’s likely how students will encounter most testing that isn’t on a computer.
Introducing study spaces to students
Once you have your study spaces到位，不要害怕使用它们！虽然许多学生将在正常布局中进行测试和学习，但其他学生需要学会选择选择致力于专用的学习空间。曾经在团队或团队中工作的学生可以默认在违反惩罚的缔结工作中，因此将这些空间作为学习的工具重新制作，因此重要。特别考虑到你更加艰苦的健谈学生。这些是非常需要物理空间变化的学生，以适应研究风格的变化，但是谁将单独的办公室与负面后果联系起来。尝试使用比较这些空格来查找项目的合适工具。
You may also find that it’s important to set expectations around when students can use dedicated study spaces, and for how long. As students become more comfortable studying and testing in isolation, these spaces may become more in-demand. Using timers and schedules not only allows all students access to these resources, but helps develop the skills of time management and pacing.
While the physical layout of a space is often the last thing on our minds when it comes to teaching and testing, it can be a powerful strategy to help students improve focus, understand their own study habits, and ultimately succeed in school. With a little effort, some clear expectations, and the willingness to try something new, your classroom can model accommodating study spaces for all your students.
