home || bio || portfolio || publications || resume
objective
This project was undertaken to examine the changing needs of public
middle schools in order to develop more appropriate furniture for
the cooperative learning classroom. Schools are moving towards
cooperative groups as the model for learning. The current classroom
furniture and environment does not accommodate this trend.
The importance of student spacing for group work was a focus of the research. Students need to be close enough to interact yet have enough personal space to accomplish their own tasks. I visited many classrooms and consulted with teachers and educators to explore the needs of a cooperative learning classroom. For more details take a lok at my brief research report.
design
The shape of the desks allow many types of configurations in a classroom
setting. The system of desks connect in groups of 3, or 4 by turning the
desks around. These configurations facilitate interaction due to
the shape of the desks. Adding the fourth desk does not push the members of
the group further apart. The inward curve of the worksurface when
configured in groups of four desks allows the students to stay within an
acceptable interaction distance. When 3 or 4 desks are grouped together a
rotating chalkboard can be mounted over the center. This chalkboard
can be used as a worksurface or a presentation tool. The shape the
desk legs allow freedom of movement under the table. The chair has
a more forward stance to aid in group interaction. The book shelf
under the chair angles forward to keep books easily accessible.
The photographs of the model I built show some different
configurations for the desks.
the desk
This drawing shows the durable yet low cost construction of the desk. The leg tubes are extruded in three different lengths for different grades. The desk supports and feet of the legs are the same piece for low molding costs. The unique shape of the legs allow freedom of movement under the desk working from either side. The holes in the worksurface are used to mount the center chalkboard or possible other tools to be developed. The polypropylene legs are taken back by the manufacturer at the end of their life to be recycled into another desk.
the chair
This concept drawing of the chair shows the features of the chair.
It has an option of removable rubber cushions for ease of cleaning
and repair. The legs and back suppory are molded polyproylene
marked for recycling. These parts are made in three different sizes
for different grades. The chair has a more forward stance than most
classroom chairs to help the students interact. The tray under the
chair keeps books and other items readilly accessible by the
students. Enough about the desk tell me about the desk, chalkboard
, or configurations
the center
The rotating chalkboard mounts over the desks in either groups of 3
or 4. This chalkboard has many uses. Students can draw on it to
help communicate ideas to eachother. It can be used as workspace to
set things. The board can also be hung for class presentations or
displays. When not in use the boards can be hung on a rack under
the main chalkboard in the front of the room.
Copyright © Andrew M. Dahley.
andyd[AT]media.mit.edu