A Classroom Divided by Bethany

A Classroom Divided by Bethany - October 2014 Scholarship Essay

In a nation falling further and further behind in education a new way of structuring the classroom needs to be addressed and developed. While more states partake in the No Child Left Behind movement, or a movement with an equal philosophy, students of higher learning feel as though they are the ones getting left behind. Although, the No Child Left Behind program is extremely valuable to some, it is extremely detrimental to others.

The ideal learning environment, for any student of any ability, is one divided; or rather multiple separate classrooms. For example, have one classroom devoted solely to those students in need of extra help, as many schools currently do. Have one specifically for those who are right on par with the needs of their current grade, and finally one for those who have been excelling in education.

Each of these classrooms could be suited to fit the specific needs of those whom utilize it. Those rooms dedicated to students in need of help, have extra teachers so each student can receive one on one, or nearly one on one, attention. This would allow each of them to ask questions and receive answers tailored towards the individual. This entire situation would allot for a stronger, more student orientated learning opportunity.

For the unit devoted to the majority of the students, provide a couple teachers per room, per subject. While in small schools one math or English teacher is acceptable, when schools start to reach the hundreds, one teacher is simply not enough. Have a lecture teacher, who provides the basic information, then allow one or two more teachers to roam the area the students are occupying. This would allow multiple students to be helped at once, with their separate questions.

Finally, the classroom for those who exceed the expectations of normal classes, should not need many teachers, but rather a more hands on approach.
Coming from a school with limited advanced classes and opportunities for those who have pushed past the classes offered, a real preparation for the world is needed. The students should be provided with multiple real life problems, such as writing typical paperwork for a job, coming up with a budget plan, creating and running a school function. If classrooms were to provide student specific education, no student would be left behind.

With each class divided out, no student would be afraid to ask questions, simply put they could not feel intimidated by other students if they are all the same. When each individual student is handed the opportunities they need, there is no reason they will not succeed. The matter of providing the perfect classroom is not finding the average and catering towards that, it is helping each individual discover their strengths and improve their weaknesses.