Retrospective (1) Classroom make-over

After over 20 years of teaching, I was in need of making over my classroom. Roles for teaching in the classroom have drastically changed over decades. Classrooms need to be more open for students to communicate, to collaborate and to connect with new ideas and new friends. 

This is a picture of my OLD classroom.  Lots of artifacts and posters from Japan. People walk in and say "pretty," "culturally rich," or "feels like I am in Japan." But wait a minute! These are just pretty displays, but are they really motivational?  Students need more motivation to learn than ever before. Students need greater opportunities to work in partnership, to learn from each other and to effectively communicate through connecting with each other. These artifacts were just like pretty dolls displayed for someone's satisfaction (most likely, ME!).

So change was needed by first building a better learning environment.  This classroom needed to offer more opportunities for students to work with others more collaboratively.  

This past spring, I started the project by removing almost 80 year-old blackboards.  A BIG ARIGATO to the United State-Japan Foundation and supporters from GoFundMe.  WIthout their supports, I couldn't place such gorgeous porcelain whiteboards.  

Now, we have L-shaped whiteboards to encourage students in active learning through peer supports.   

As of today, I am still working on this classroom make-over project.  Almost done. I need one more week to finish.  I will upload more pictures after I finish.