What can space really do in the ways of learning? Why this set of readings?Space has the potential to shape human behavior. Put in individual cubicles and people gravitate towards individual learning, put in group spaces with couches and white boards and people would find ways to make use of them and communicate in the process. As the readings show, the success of a program very much depends on the culture of the institution. The design of space has a part in shaping the culture of institutions. Just comparing the US teacher workspaces with Singapore's, the stark difference I find is that here in the US, teachers typically own a classroom and they work in their classrooms. In Singapore, typically, there is a common room where teachers return to after lessons. I find that the provision of the common space for teachers promotes talking about their lessons and hence has great potential in funnelling towards good ends in professional development of teachers. I have also observed that putting in cubicles decreases the noise level in the staff room as people tend to whisper more now that there is a clearer demarcation of public and individual space. The reduction in noise level could mean less idle talk, , more restricted conversations about classroom teaching, more individual work, lesser collaborative critical inquiry...
Christy: I love hearing about your experience in Singapore. The common room seems like it would be quite valuable. Is there also a place for individual thinking? I'm also curious if there is any assessment done as to what teachers want / need vs. what is most effective. I can see the need for different types of spaces at different times.