IMMERSIVE LEARNING

IMMERSIVE LEARNING is a vehicle for teaching a range of skills and content by integrating curriculum areas around a topic. This method of teaching links curriculum strands and capitalizes on children’s interests, creating a sense of purpose and community in the classroom. By building on their interests and life experiences, young people’s attitudes, skills and knowledge are developed in meaningful ways.
Although students may be given a greater voice in the topics they study and the strategies they use, the teacher’s role is not diminished, but changed. Young people still need teachers to help them reflect on their learning and lead them to make connections between prior and new knowledge. The acquisition of skills needs to be planned and the possibilities for application of these skills in other situations needs to be illustrated. The role of the teacher becomes one of coordinator or facilitator, who maintains a sense of the whole picture and a vision of the skills the students need to acquire through classroom activities.

An excellent strategy for teachers wishing to make the transition from teacher directed to more student directed learning, is to begin planning thematic units with another teacher. Working in cooperation with a colleague— sharing ideas, reflecting on activities attempted, developing resources, planning activities—affirms the skills of both teachers and provides an opportunity to build on each other’s expertise to create something that neither would have accomplished alone.

I have been sent in some classroom photos from Jack Benstead (RQT from St Giles Academy in Lincon) who has perfected immersive learning!

creativity at its best!

"This classroom took about 3 full days to create after lots of preparation. It is based around the question: 'what is the beauty of nature?'. I tried to create a learning space which was 'beautiful' to help get the children thinking deeper about our project. I really wanted to create areas in the room where children can work with their peers comfortably. Therefore I have an area with a comfy sofa with crunching bark chippings under foot. I also decided to create a waterfall by using an old bunk bed which allows children to sit behind the 'water'. I hope this will allow private learning areas to allow the children to concentrate. Running through the classroom I have a path which I hope will encourage visitors to explore the classroom more thoroughly."

it doesn't stop there! Jack Benstead has created other themed classrooms...
"In the past, I have created a Roman museum, Olympic stadium, Greek temple and a farm and as this is currently my 4th design of an immersive classroom, I am still learning what an immersive classroom needs in order to be successful. I thoroughly enjoy creating the classrooms and teaching in this style. The children are always so enthusiastic learning in these spaces and it always feels so special seeing the children explore the classroom on the first day of a new project.'

i am looking forward to hearing all about the children's reaction when they start back! immersive learning is the best way to engage a reluctant learner. Try it!

iF YOU HAVE AN INSPIRATIONAL CLASSROOM OR A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT AND WOULD LIKE TO BE FEATURED ON MY WEBSITE, SEND ME AN EMAIL; I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM!