Three Innovative Education Styles Teachers use in the Classroom

Looking for ways to differentiate and integrate the curriculum so all students are engaged and excited about their learning, our teachers are bringing innovation to the classroom. 

One of our educators, in particular, Ms. Amanda White who teaches Grade 5 wanted to research a more effective way to allow her students to excel at their own pace. 

“I was inspired by the many educators who are thinking outside of the box of the traditional education system I grew up in. I have been exploring student agency by looking for ways to give students more voice, choice and ownership in as many aspects of the day as possible.”

From her research, she discovered personalized learning or student-led learning looks different in every classroom.

“There is no one size fits all. Depending on the context, space, resources, age group and personalities of all players (students, teachers, administrators), a personalized classroom is as diverse as each of us.”

Ms. Amanda is in the midst of implementing three innovative education styles in the classroom each positively affecting student learning. 

1. Personalized Learning

Personalized learning is an approach that customizes education for each student based on their strengths, needs, skills and interests.

Through guidance and certain parameters, students can develop their own learning goals and define what works for them. 

Personalized education styles at our school include: 

• Working in small groups
• Researching independently
• Conferencing with a peer or teacher
• Finding opportunities to work hands-on materials 

After establishing learning objectives and understanding what works for them, students are taught how to plan part of their week’s schedule.

To aid in this process, Ms. Amanda utilizes the method called MoSCoW (Must Do, Should Do, Could Do, Want or Won't Do) to help students prioritize their time. 

And learning to prioritize their schedule is something her students are really enjoying.

“I like it because we get to manage our own time and it feels nice to be in control of what you do,” said one of her students.

Find out more about personalized learning.

The Effects of Personalized Learning

“I have observed a high degree of student engagement as students feel increasingly empowered to guide their own learning,” Ms. Amanda said.  

Ms. Amanda has witnessed how students move through activities at their own pace, making sure each step best suits their needs and abilities. “They discover who they are as learners and begin to advocate for their own needs.”

One form of learning that she has seen several students participate in is student-led workshops where they teach their peers and build upon their areas of interest and expertise. 

Throughout this process, we help students develop a lesson plan, mentor them on how to deliver the material and then they’re given feedback from their peers. After these three steps, students have the chance to self-reflect.

“It’s powerful to watch students learn from each other and often offer insights that I had not thought to give."

Growth areas developed through personalized learning include: 

• Time management
• Organization
• Codes of behaviour
• Metacognition  

And with students learning to maneuver through their day independently, teachers have time to concentrate on a small group or individuals requiring extra support or guidance. 

2. Flexible Seating

“We all find it difficult to sit in one spot for a long time,” said Ms. Amanda. “In our class, students don’t have a designated desk spot but are able to move to different types of seating throughout the day.”

Ms. Amanda uses:

• Floors seats
• Sofas 
• Standing tables
• Stools
• Bean bags
• Picnic tables outside 

Getting the freedom to move and have a choice, students discover where they can do their best thinking whether it’s collaborative or independent work.  

The Effects of Flexible Seating 

Though apprehensive at first, Ms. Amanda has witnessed students realize the power of choice. “I find students maintain their focus for longer periods of time as they are able to easily reposition themselves allowing for a 'brain break'.” 

This sentiment was echoed by her students.

“I like flexible seating because you can choose where you sit and if you're not comfortable you can move,” said one of her pupils.

Another student went on to describe how flexible seating helped them stay focused.

“It helps me with being less distracted.”

3. Community Circles 

Community circles are how Ms. Amanda likes to begin each day. “It's a safe place where each student is given the option to speak or listen. We work on relationship building and community problem-solving as well as learn to appreciate our diversity and what each of us has to offer.”

The Effects of Community Circle 

At IST, community circles give a sense of camaraderie and unity amongst our students. 

“I watch many connections being made between students during this time as they learn about each other and find shared experiences.”

And relationship building is one of the most important aspects of effective collaboration. Ms. Amanda hopes to inspire students and promote a feeling of safety and comfort.

“Feeling safe to ask for what they need and make mistakes allows students to take bigger risks and accept feedback as they know that everyone has their best interests at heart.”

Initially, Ms. Amanda guides this education style, spearheading the conversation. But as the year progresses, students take a leadership role by posing questions, discussing the day's schedule and giving each other advice.

Her students see Community Circle as a time to learn more about each other.

“I like Community Circle because every day you can get to know everyone in your class better.”

Ms. Amanda had to learn how to release control and trust her students were learning without her constant management.

“It was a fear I had to overcome, but I think it gave all of us all room to breathe and learn more about ourselves. I have received a lot of support from the school to go on this learning journey and feel like a researcher in my own class.”

We pride ourselves on our innovative education styles, rigorous curriculum and our world class teaching staff.

Discover what the IST curriculum has to offer by clicking here!