There are different types of classrooms, this we know. Traditional set ups with desks in rows and a quiet atmosphere. Chaotic, energetic ones with little discipline. As well as, the endless varieties in between, whether communal or independent, teacher or student centered they all have been created for one purpose- education. These realms can be magical, creative, adventurous, and yes even a bit frightening. They are interpreted and discovered by our students. One day they may be Narnia while another a yellow brick road leading to the Emerald City, and hopefully rarely a large fire of doom like Mordor. But regardless of design and emotion it is these playgrounds of learning that shape our students for the future. So how do we make sure our classroom landscapes are built of magic not boredom and calamity?
It all depends on whether every day you are mindful of and focused on students. Snape always came off as mean and harsh but in the end he had a role to play to keep Harry safe. Gandalf, always the genial and smiling wizard always had the best for Bilbo and Frodo in mind and yet he often lead them to dangerous, precarious situations, at least the ring did. Following the best intentions is not necessarily the most successful route to take. With students it is most often taking the safest route, the most direct route all the while seeking the detours and side trips along the way. Much like Dorothy ventures off the yellow brick road only to find flying monkeys she also finds the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. A well traveled path is safe but we also need to take the risk and seek some adventure too. This adventure often leads us to new goals and new friends.
Arriving at OZ, what Dorothy and her companions feel will be the answer to their questions and desires ends up being much more truthful. We often seek answers that are not available but are only found within ourselves. Providing opportunities for students to inquire through deep questioning and introspection gives students insight into the way they think and learn. Using reflection and feedback students form what is true for themselves not what others want them to see and believe. Only when we find our own truth can we dig our path to learning. But digging too deep into our own way of doing things can eventually form walls in which we isolate ourselves. So we need to teach our students balance and self-confidence. Open-mindedness and flexibility. Growth mindset and curiosity. This is what finally leads Frodo and Sam to their destination and the destruction of the hold that the ring had on them. The ring of nearsightedness and greed. Once students toss their short-sightedness into Mordor, the path to Rivendell, OZ, even Narnia will present itself.
Mordor is a necessary evil. A place where students can let go of the baggage that may be blocking their path. But it is a quick stop in the journey of education. Once they see the doorway, literally at the back of a wardrobe, they can choose to enter. It is our job as educators to make it so enticing, magical, and safe that stepping over the thresh hold is an easy decision. We can not force them to take the leap but we can urge them to join us in the world of fascination, enchantment, innovation, alchemy, and discovery. When they see other students venture in and go with the flow, laugh, have fun, they will want to do the same. Create a classroom designed like Narnia, both magical and educational. An auditorium of imagination and wonderment. A theater where students are the actors, the set designers, the artists, writers, directors. Where we are merely the audience waiting for the curtain to open.
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