Collaborative Desks Meet the Needs of Today's Classrooms
by Saul Wagner
With the increasing popularity of project-based learning and group work,
collaborative desks are becoming an integral ingredient in modern classrooms. While classic school desks can be used for working in small groups, they are definitely not ideal. Any educator who is looking to maximize time and productivity in a collaborative learning environment can benefit from flexible classroom furniture.
What is Special About Collaborative Desks?
Collaboration desks are designed to fit together in various arrangements. Depending on the shape of the work surface, they can often fit perfectly in clusters of two, four or six. Having the option of creating clusters of various sizes gives students a comfortable group work space for all kinds of projects and assignments.
This flexible furniture isn’t only great for students who are working in groups, it can also be very convenient for teachers. Some designs fit together while leaving an opening in the middle for easy supervision and guidance. There are even
teacher’s desks which can fit right into the cluster, which is perfect for working with small groups of students. When you have the flexibility to create different arrangements, it is easier to accommodate various learning and teaching styles. Having choices when it comes to classroom layout helps teachers accommodate various learning styles to ensure that all students can get the most out of lessons.
Flexible Furniture is Easy to Arrange
Just thinking about the sound of twenty five desks and chairs squeaking across the classroom floor is enough to make any teacher cringe. While traditional
school desks with glides may not scratch the floor, they are often very heavy and difficult to move. This can be prohibitive for educators who want to change the setup of a space for special activities during the lesson. With all of the time, noise and lost focus that will likely result, it’s easier to just leave furniture arranged as it is and forego project-based learning.
Unlike traditional styles, collaboration desks are specifically designed to be moved around during lessons. If you plan on rearranging your learning space often, choosing options with wheels is ideal. Some models have locking wheels on all four legs so they can be easily rolled into place during a lesson. Other options have wheels on two legs so they roll wheelbarrow-style. Either of these choices minimizes noise and allows students to get the room set up for group learning quickly. There is no one option that is right for every situation. Make sure to choose the collaborative desks that best fit your space, your students and your budget.
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