An Introvert's Dream Classroom by Elizabeth

An Introvert's Dream Classroom by Elizabeth - July 2020 Scholarship Essay

As an introvert, I want to start small. Classrooms no bigger than, say, 15 students. Maybe closer to 8-10 would be the sweet spot. The smaller classroom size would allow a more intimate learning environment, a safer space to ask questions and posit ideas, and more one-on-one learning time. Plus, for someone with more introverted tendencies, I’d feel more comfortable the smaller the class size.
Next, take your normal classroom layout, and throw it out the window. I want desks arranged in a circle. It’s easier to communicate with classmates and no one is on the pedestal of being in the front of the room or confined to a corner desk. It would also take away the issue of the teacher’s untouchable desk tucked away from the students’ work areas. I don’t even want desks at all. Something more welcoming like bean-bag chairs or even just one big circular table with comfortable office chairs around it would give the learning environment a more relaxed vibe and allow ideas and concepts to flow more freely.
While you’re at it, get rid of the fluorescent lights every classroom has that cause such a headache. Replace them with anything; anything is better than them. Better lighting will allow students to focus better.
In fact, my preferred classroom wouldn’t even be a classroom at all, at least not all the time. Whenever possible, my preferred classroom would make the transition outside. On warm spring days, it would travel out to benches or outdoor work spaces around the school and allow students to breathe a breath of fresh air. At home, I’m outside more often than not, and the transition to a nearly-entirely-inside day during the school year is stifling. During winter when the theatre season is in full swing, I don’t see any daylight. My dream classroom would find its way outside whenever possible.