Blog #6: What to Look for in a Classroom by Alfie Kohn.

This time, my focus is on the connection between reading and my personal experience. Firstly, Alfie Kohn argues that children deserve to have classes with chairs arranged around tables, so they are grouped and learn to interact with each other. This author's perspective resonated deeply with me. During my primary education in my country, chairs were always arranged in rows, facing forward; we were never allowed to work in small groups or sit in circles. I remember teachers arguing that this arrangement was to prevent distractions and interruptions during classes. Each student had their own assigned chair, thus limiting our interactions to those sitting beside, in front of, or behind us. This experience impacted my development as a student, both in high school and currently in college, where collaborative work is constant. I firmly believe that learning to work in teams should start from childhood, as the author suggests, rather than waiting until adolescence or adulthood, as this helps us develop fundamental social skills for life. The benefits of this methodology are numerous, from fostering shared responsibility to enhancing critical thinking, creativity, emotional development, and preparing for both academic and professional success. These skills are essential for building healthy interpersonal relationships, facing challenges with confidence, and making meaningful contributions in all aspects of life. Therefore, I consider the author to offer a highly relevant perspective in the educational realm. Additionally, I feel his message underscores that, at times, teachers and other adults overlook crucial aspects in the classroom that affect students by not providing the necessary support despite the existence of simple solutions. For example, by setting expectations about the school environment, such as classroom decoration, without involving students in this process. Instead of fostering creativity and autonomy by allowing them to participate in creating instructional materials and decorating the classroom, teachers assume this responsibility exclusively. This can lead to a less welcoming environment and a lack of connection and commitment from students to their own learning. Connecting this with my experience working with Inspiring Minds in the classroom where I volunteer, I could observe that in the classroom, there is not only instructional material created by the teacher but also drawings made by the children. Noah is one of my students who loves to draw, and when I interacted with him, he showed me a drawing pinned on the wall of himself and his family. I could notice that Noah felt even more valued and empowered, seeing that his experience and contribution were reflected in his educational practices. His expression of joy in showing his drawing on the classroom wall was an example of a deep sense of belonging and connection to his school environment. Therefore, like the author, I believe that students can feel more motivated and committed to learning when their creativity and participation are a reflection of the school environment.

More articles by Aflie Kohn: Click here