Webucation

Article in the above e-paper

By KENDRA LUECKERT
July 27, 2007 2:00 a.m. CST
Columbia- Columbia Public Schools’ newest elementary school will likely have classrooms clustered in pods off the center of the building. The concept is meant to foster more collaboration and interaction between students and teachers of the same grade level.

“I love the idea of pods,” said Eric Wilson, a parent and member of the elementary construction steering committee. “As I think about my children, they learn in a more interactive environment, and that’s just wonderful.” Wilson was among those who visited two Kansas City-area elementary schools last Friday. One of those schools uses the pod concept.

Among the committee’s design ideas were:

• The incorporation of “Discovery Areas” in the center of each five-classroom pod. These areas could be used for project-based activities.
• A slanted roof that would blend in with the surrounding neighborhoods.
• Separate driveways for buses and cars, with each drop-off point leading into the same lobby area.
• The gymnasium, cafeteria and media center should be large enough that the community can use the areas as well.
• An abundance of natural light and bright colors.
“I think (bright color) just helps stimulate learning, and it’ll bring a lot of life to the environment, making learning more enjoyable for children,” Elaine Hassemer, principal of Paxton Keeley Elementary School, said after the meeting.

Jack Jensen, assistant superintendent of elementary education, said although the district has historically modeled new schools off the school last built — in this case, Paxton Keeley — the new school will be an original design.

This article reminds me of the Pods idea given as a design idea in the UK Futurelab publication 'Re-thinking Learning Spaces' published in late 2006.