Linking Pedagogy and Space: Dr. Kenn Fisher

This document outlines the linking between educational pedagogy and space. It states that a range of pedagogies will be used according to what they are learning provided given the right platform to do so. These pedagogies require specific spatial qualities to be effective. There are 5 core activities (or modes) that support the pedagogy; delivering, applying, creating, communicating and decision making.

The modes encourage a whole range of learning such as; integrated problem and resource based learning, creativity, projects on practical problems, collaboration, peer to peer learning and even individulaised learning. In the Nair article ‘The Classroom is Obsolete: It’s time for something new’ , he talks about a need for individualised learning as opposed to efficient learning, and with a school that is designed to accommodate this I believe that spatial awareness is important. 

There are spatial settings that accommodate the different modes and Kenn Fisher believes that a multi-modal learning setting should be collected and clustered to allow students to move around the different learning areas to fit their different tasks. The different learning settings are; individual settings, group settings, activity rich settings, informal learning settings and staff settings.

1.       Individual Setting:  is a home base for students when learning. Provides a sense of ownership and builds responsibility for own learning.

2.       Group Setting: provides a platform for collaborating, team teaching, team meetings, use of technology and practice ideas. Encourages creativity, brainstorming, the opportunity to present work and team work.

3.       Activity Setting:  provides a variety of work spaces such as work surfaces, work storage spaces, access to tools and technology and specialist areas. Provides an area for critical thinking and problem solving.

4.       Informal learning setting: can be outdoors, a common area, a small work space or some place that allows for gathering away from formal activities. Provides an area for socialising, individual study and reflecting.

5.       Staff Setting: A place for staff to access resources. Encourages team teaching, P.D, integrated planning and informal discussion.

This document prepared by Kenn Fisher lines up with the key competencies of our curriculum. The special settings allow for children to think, managing themselves, to relate to others, to use symbols, text and language and it allows for children to collaborate (participating and contributing).