Student Reflection: Open Classroom Education

Hanna N.
Open Classroom Education moved through schools in the 1970s. The logic behind them was to remove walls, merge grades and collaborate.
Though the trend passed, some of the pros and cons of this style of education are surfacing as families who have children in multiple grades are all working from home.
Grade 12 student Hanna N. answers questions about what it is like to be one of four students in the one household doing remote learning. Hanna is the eldest, with siblings in Grades 10, 8 and Senior Kindergarten.

"In this shift to remote learning, I have tried to set a daily schedule for myself and I know some of my family members have done the same. That being said, coordinating our schedules can be quite challenging. As a family, I would say we fall under the 'winging it' category, but doing so allows us the freedom to take breaks when necessary and support each other. 

Since there are four of us engaged in remote learning, we spend most of our time in our rooms (or designated space), but occasionally we will move around to different areas like the kitchen or the dining room table. I think the change in location can increase our productivity. It also gives us the chance to collaborate or help each other when we are in a more communal space.

One very clear upside to remote learning is that we get to see each other! We occasionally see each other on campus, but being at home gives us the opportunity to connect during our free time. We are also able to help each other and answer questions when one of us may be struggling. Being in Grade 12, it has been really interesting to witness and experience what sort of school work my siblings are doing as I am able to see how it will all connect as a well-rounded learning experience, starting in Senior Kindergarten with my brother.
 
I would like to say how supported I feel at SJK. I have always felt this way but this experience has been a reminder for me. We, as students, are so lucky to have teachers who care so much for us. You have set us all up for success while teaching us how to overcome and adapt to adversity. I am extremely proud to call SJK home and will look forward to seeing the ever-evolving community in the future after I graduate."
 

 


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