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Foreign teachers at the Dongguan Foreign Language School show off their unique learning spaces and philosophies behind creating the ideal classroom. Each teacher puts great thought into making their classroom reflect what and how students learn, as well as adding a piece of themselves to the mix.
“I believe a classroom setting is one of the most important factors affecting student learning,” Anthony Cappabianca, a high school teacher, said.
Being one of two first-place winners among the foreign teachers for the best classroom, Anthony C. goes beyond offering standard motivational posters and immerses students in pop culture and broadcast media—the key topics his students focus on throughout the year.
He mentioned his classroom builds a rapport with students and exposes them to international culture. Anthony C. also included personal interests and information about his background in the decorations.
Tying for first place and offering an equally impressive classroom design is middle/high school teacher Anthony Permaye.
Students get the feeling of learning a second language just by walking through the countries and the languages displayed on the walls.
“I wanted to develop a culture of curiosity and a climate of self-actualization within my classroom—hence the journey around 15 different languages.” Anthony P. said.
He offers a 1,089-word challenge around the room to push students to learn, review, and commit to memory, high-frequency words.
Taking a step back from the pop culture and the international travel appeal of the high school classrooms, primary teachers offer a gentle but constructive environment for younger learners.
“None of the walls can be boring,” Iryna Rodinka, a primary school teacher, said about her classroom design. “They are a large tool-kit for young students.”
Colorful paper lanterns and streamers hang from the ceiling as Iryna uses all the tools in her kit. Posters of animals, food, games, school objects, and room for the young learners to tell her how they feel strategically adorn the walls.
“Everything in the classroom can be used during the lesson, but what happens more often is I keep my door open during breaks, and students can come and hang out,” she said.
Iryna also created a phonics/reading corner with alphabet puzzles, pictures, stickers, and books that help students begin their reading journey.
Bridging the gap betweenChinaandCanada, is primary school teacher Lucille Poulin’s classroom.
Decorations of red, white, and yellow are on display. Canada—Lucille’s home country—represents one side of the room, while China represents the other. Paper lanterns and maple leaf bunting hang from the ceiling. Halloween projects created by Lucille’s students proudly show along the back wall.
“The feeling that the classroom is safe and a good comfortable place to be, as well as attractive is equally important to the teachers and students,” Lucille said.
She added a classroom should create a positive setting where students feel involved and responsible for their learning while being comfortable—most teachers agree with this theme.
Taking positive space one step further, Lucille has developed a “Reflection Corner.”
“It provides my students with a quiet spot where they can calm themselves in times of stress, a meltdown, or help them retreat for some ‘me’ time,” she said.
Lucille also provides a self-analysis sheet in English and Chinese in the “Reflection Corner” to help students understand how they feel and provide more clear behavior and academic expectations.
Iryna and Lucille received second-place awards from the school for the best classrooms.
With one foot in middle school and one foot in high school, teacher Debbie Bishop Williams finds common ground to interest both age groups.
“My teaching methodology is learning for all—creating a mindset of aspirations and showing all that the world has to offer through various topics,” Debbie said.
Halloween story posters created by grade 9 and restaurant menus created by grade 11 cover the walls with student creativity.
Debbie integrated games in her classroom to give students a competitive edge while they learn and feel comfortable enough to speak freely. She received third place from the school for the best classroom.
The foreign teachers at the Dongguan Foreign Language School strive to make a connection with students and agree the classroom plays a vital role. Each classroom offers what the teacher brings for students to learn but is shaped by what students take with them.
撰稿：Rachel Wright
審稿：梁 泉
編輯：陳鈺堯