This document discusses various aspects of creating an effective classroom learning environment, including the physical classroom space, group learning spaces, individual learning spaces, and electronic learning spaces. It emphasizes that the learning environment should promote both group and individual learning, incorporate visual aids, and be arranged to suit student needs and characteristics. The classroom should implement diverse teaching strategies to engage all students. Beyond the classroom, excursions and community engagement can enhance learning. Electronic devices can be used to transform learning when implemented safely and accessibly. Both group and individual learning are important, with the former developing collaboration skills and the latter cultivating self-direction.

1. OLIVIA FOURNIOTIS
S00134668
EDFD- Online
Adam Staples
4th YEAR EARLY CHILDHOOD
AND PRIMARY EDUCATION
Persistence, resilience, self-direction: Which approach would you want your
students to take?

2. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…
Space, whether physical or virtual can have a significant impact on your teaching
and your students learning. Take a minute or two to reflect on the learning space
you have created in your classroom.
How does your classroom environment promote teaching and learning?
Does it reflect a welcoming, learning environment?
What are some of your teaching strategies and techniques used to captivate your
students?
How do you cater for the diversity of students in your classroom?
Keep in mind there is ALWAYS room for improvement. As teachers, we are open to
new ideas and strategies.

3. THE CLASSROOM AND THE
SCHOOL
What type of environment do your students
work best in?
Physical appearance of the classroom is
paramount. What visual stimulation have you
incorporated to promote student learning?
For example: CAFÉ & VCOP diagrams and other
stimulants students can refer back to.
Geography of the classroom makes a big
difference to teaching.. Students must be
arranged and seated to promote learning. This
ideally should be based on the characteristics of
students. These arrangements should be altered
throughout the year to create new interest and
dynamic to the classroom.

4. THE CLASSROOM AND THE SCHOOL
The Classroom
and the School
In your classroom,
you should be
promoting both
group learning and
individual learning
depending on the
learning task. Both
are equally
important.
Electronic learning
should also be
promoted for tasks
such as their Inquiry
matrix.Do you implement
effective learning
experiences where
students can achieve the
required progression
points?
Take a minute to think
about your last lesson with
your students… Your
teaching must always have
a clear learning intention.
The learning intention (We
Are Learning To.. WALT)
must be in relation to the
scope and sequence of the
curriculum. Do your
teaching techniques
correspond with your
students’ learning styles?

5. BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Through community of practice students engage in joint activities and discussions. They assist
each other, learn from each other and build relationships.
You should prepare a range of incursions and excursions as it provides opportunities for both
you and your students to learn. “The learning process is enhanced when information is
presented in context which isn’t necessarily a traditional classroom setting” (Beyond 4 walls).
“Students grow in the presence of others around them” (why go beyond the bounds of
school).
Ongoing communication with colleagues assists in making the most of an experience.

6. BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Practical and theoretical components of learning beyond
four walls must be made meaningful with a clear learning
intention/s. This learning builds hands-on experiences which
new knowledge is developed from prior knowledge.
Positives:
• Allows students to be exposed and informed to things
they may not otherwise experience.
• Brings interest and excitement to learning, offering new
learning perspectives
• Makes learning fun, exciting and motivating; and allows
students to view their world differently
• Supports students holistic approach to learning
• Allows teachers to learn new strategies
• Is a step out of routine
Negatives:
• Might be expensive and unaffordable
• It becomes difficult when students misbehave
• If teachers are not prepared the experience is nowhere
near as beneficial

7. THE ELECTRONIC LEARNING SPACE
The electronic learning space is becoming increasingly important. ICT focuses on
providing yourselves and your students with the tools to transform teaching and
learning. “Learning and digital technologies builds on concepts, skills and
processes developed in early years” (Australian Curriculum Assessment and
Reporting Authority, ACAR, 2015).
ICT focuses on developing foundational skills in computational thinking and an
awareness of personal experiences using digital systems.
The electronic learning space is highly recommended throughout the Inquiry
unit.
how will you encourage your students to use their devices effectively and
efficiently?

8. THE ELECTRONIC LEARNING SPACE
Through the electronic learning space
combined with the group learning
space, as demonstrated in this video,
students are able to develop basic skills
of communication developing a holistic
approach to learning (including self-
confidence) and develop students ICT
knowledge.
Positives:
• Technology transforms
teaching and learning. It
allows students ad teachers
do things they could not
otherwise do.
• It fosters collaboration and
group work
• Develops key skills for the 21st
century
Things to consider:
• Just because a particular technology is
widespread, doesn’t mean it is beneficial
for education
• What happens to those who cannot be
trusted using an ICT device?
• What strategies have you implemented to
ensure students’ safety?
• Can all software be accessible from all
devices including IPads, IPods and
laptops? (consider the screen size)
Click for video

9. THE INDIVIDUAL LEARNING SPACE
Self direction in learning especially in the upper-primary years is
important and should be encouraged.
Learners have the primary responsibility for planning, carrying out
and evaluating their own learning experiences. This can be easily
implemented in their inquiry units
Individuals should take on the initiatives with or without the help of
others. Learning goals and implementing appropriate learning
strategies is up to the student.

10. THE INDIVIDUAL LEARNING
SPACE
The Individual Learning
Space (Things to
consider)
Learning
environments are
more effective
when they are
sensitive to
individual
differences.
Learning must be
learner-centered,
well-designed,
personalized,
innovative and
inclusive laying
foundations for life
long learning.
Transformative learning
allows your students to
reflect, therefore
generate their own
beliefs, opinions and
points of view.
The rapid development of ICT
has had a profound impact on
educational abilities. The use of
ICT can be extremely beneficial
for the individual learning space.
Students should be encouraged
to conduct research on these
devices

11. THE GROUP LEARNING SPACE
Consider us as colleagues, we
work together to achieve a
common objective. 75% of
jobs out in the workforce
require collaborative work.
This statistic clearly indicates
the importance of group
work.
Effective earning is not
purely a solo activity, it
is a distributive one.
Developing group learning
environments where
learning can flourish are
characteristics of new
millennium learners.
“Individual knowledge
construction occurs
through the process of
interaction, negotiation
and cooperation”.
Partner/small group/ class
activity = group learning
Groups must be
structured according
to ability, needs and
attitudes
They get to know each
other better and
increases self learning.
“effective learning is not
purely a solo activity but
essentially a distributed
one. Individual
knowledge construction
occurs through the
process of negotiation,
interaction and
cooperation (nature of
learning).

12. THE GROUP LEARNING SPACE
Positives:
 Develop relationships
with peers
 Opens/stimulates
discussion
 It is considered ‘fun’ by
your students
 Students often
encourage each other
 Improves social skills
 Allows students to think in
different perspectives
Negatives:
 If not grouped correctly,
students can misbehave
 Students may ‘get off
track' easily depending
on the age group
 It can be distractingClick for video Click for video

13. REFERENCES
Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, ACARA. (2015). Technologies (Fact
Sheet). Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/technologies/rationale
Read, M. (2010). Contemplating design: listening to children's preferences about classroom
design. Creative Education. (2) 75 – 80.
Schratzenstaller, A. (2010). The Classroom of the Past. In K. Makitalo-Siegl, J. Zottmann, F. Kaplan &
F. Fischer (Eds.), Classroom of the Future: Orchestrating Collaborative Spaces (pp. 15-
39). Netherlands: Sense Publishers.
Cinar, I. (2010). Classroom geography: who sit where in the traditional classrooms? Journal of
International Research, 3(10), 200-212.
Johnson, J. (2009). Beyond four walls: experiential and situated learning. Teacher. (198), 18-20.
Slavin, R. (2010). Co-operative learning: what makes group-work work? (pp. 161 - 178). In The
Nature of Learning: Using Research to Inspire Practice, OECD Publishing.
UNESCO. (2012). Turning on Mobile Learning: Global Themes. France: United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Murray, O., & Olcese, N. (2011). Teaching and Learning with iPads, Ready or Not? TechTrends,
55(6), 42-48.
Kop, R., & Fournier, H. (2010). New Dimensions of Sef-Directed Learning in an Open-Networked
Learning Environment. International Journal of Self-Directed Learning, 7(2), 1-20.