Recently, after conducting several bench markings from several schools, it came across my mind about what it really means to create an ideal classroom environment.

    Through bench marking, I have seen the efforts of teachers, both in public and private schools, as they unhesitatingly and tirelessly shape their rooms to meet the needs of their learners. Some of them even shelled out from their own pockets to buy materials that would fit in to the design that they intend to make for their rooms to stand out and be one of those sought-after rooms in the school, while some were left with no choice but to stick to a generic-type of classroom due to insufficient resources.

    Though some were able to make innovations on their classrooms, it still made me realize that what is ideal for one learner may not be ideal for another learner. Each one has a different need. Each one has a different interest. So it is therefore expected for a classroom to jibe with learner’s interests, needs and personality for it to fully work as a learning space. And to be able to do so, teachers should be geared with enough resources from the school officials, and the government as well,to fully innovate and adapt to their learner’s needs and somehow help them abstain from having to spend from their own pockets, which happens most of the time.

    Yes, learning should not and does not solely rely on an innovated classroom, but having such can be a tool in helping learners achieve success. Basically, this is what our leaders from the Department of Education are asking from teachers to make learning more fun and easy — a print-rich classroom.

    So start shaping your rooms to start shaping lives. Be a teacher who value his learners, their voice, and their choice.

 

By: Joan Carlyn E. Gomez (Teacher I Batiawan Elementary School Annex Batiawan, Subic, Zambales)