Unfortunately, my students and I were not able to build the ideal learning environment for all students in the 2020-2021 school year. Students learned exclusively on computers, where building the essential community in which mathematicians can flourish proved near impossible. It is my fear that my students' curiosity, excitement for learning, ability to collaborate academically and identities as smart and capable mathematicians will be diminished. Simultaneously, after a year of learning at home, on couches, on the floor, or a lounge chair on the porch, I worry that the sudden transport back to the reality of school will be jarring and further alienate them from each other and the beauty of mathematics.
By giving them the simple choice of where to sit to grow their big brains, I hope to increase engagement, competency, and relatedness with their peers while creating an atmosphere that fosters rich discussions and identities as mathematicians. Flexible seating allows students to take charge of their learning and make choices that work best for them, whether that’s sitting in an office chair to work independently or on a balance ball to solve problems with a group. This has never been more important, for after almost a year-and-a-half of learning at home and through a computer, students need quality face-to-face time with teachers and friends and they need to feel comfortable while doing so. Flexible seating will help empower students to make choices that are best for them and re-engage them in school, mathematics, and their peers.
About my class
Unfortunately, my students and I were not able to build the ideal learning environment for all students in the 2020-2021 school year. Students learned exclusively on computers, where building the essential community in which mathematicians can flourish proved near impossible. It is my fear that my students' curiosity, excitement for learning, ability to collaborate academically and identities as smart and capable mathematicians will be diminished. Simultaneously, after a year of learning at home, on couches, on the floor, or a lounge chair on the porch, I worry that the sudden transport back to the reality of school will be jarring and further alienate them from each other and the beauty of mathematics.
By giving them the simple choice of where to sit to grow their big brains, I hope to increase engagement, competency, and relatedness with their peers while creating an atmosphere that fosters rich discussions and identities as mathematicians. Flexible seating allows students to take charge of their learning and make choices that work best for them, whether that’s sitting in an office chair to work independently or on a balance ball to solve problems with a group. This has never been more important, for after almost a year-and-a-half of learning at home and through a computer, students need quality face-to-face time with teachers and friends and they need to feel comfortable while doing so. Flexible seating will help empower students to make choices that are best for them and re-engage them in school, mathematics, and their peers.
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