For parents or educators-what would you like in a classroom environment?

Question

I am in college and we are doing a survey on classroom environment. What would you prefer to have in your / your child's classroom? One has suggested a swimming pool. It would benefit the children, teachers and community with lifegaurds, of course.
If your school had the money to fund a specific program, buy new equipment, etc. what would you want them to buy?

LEGAL things! :-)

FLOWER-thank you for your input and I agree with 100%. What one thing do you find enhances your classroom?

Answer 1

I would love the best of technology--because most kids today are used to having everything interactive or in a multi-media form (video games, iPods, etc). Laptops for every student, with internet access, with the software that allows me to monitor what they are doing. All hooked up through a network that allows me to pull their powerpoint (for example) up on to the plasma tv at the center of the room. :)
I would also like students who are ready to learn! i.e. not hungover, fed, good nights sleep.
Lastly, I would like to just be able to T-E-A-C-H; currently it's the "let's satisfy the politicians" game and it's not a very effective way of teaching. But that's another issue

Answer 2

The only thing I would like to see in my kids classrooms is a non distracting atmosphere while teaching the major classes, writing, reading, math and history. Maybe a bullwhip and chair to make them pay attention. No i pods, cellphones etc.. I think that the idea of getting a good education has left the children of today. Most of them feel that it's not needed and they can get a job without one.

Answer 3

Breakfast. Even though I do not teach in a community that has a lot of low-socioeconomic families, there are still too many children who come to school hungry. They cannot learn without breakfast! Often teachers will end up spending their own money buying food to have ready for kids who don't get any.

Answer 4

I would like decent acoustics so we can actually hear each other. I'd like windows that open for fresh air. I'd like tables, desks and chairs that are ergonomically correct. How about big quiet ceiling fans and good lighting--not just the ubiquitious glaring (and often ugly) florescent ceiling fixtures?

Tackable wall surfaces throughout. Big windows but with effective screening to allow showing projections without them being washed out. No pillars that block anyone's views. Clean and well-kept. Organized storage and shelving for resources/library/reference. Enough space so we aren't packed in like sardines in a can.

Attention to aesthetics so the entire atmosphere of the room is thoughtful, functional, and encourages an understated sense of form, structure and organization to support focused learning.

Answer 5

Technology Technology Technology. Our school must have more technology to be able to educate the child in 2007.

Answer 6

In my classroom, I like to have happy kids who enjoy learning. I guess that I can't buy it, so it's up to me to create an atmosphere where it happens. A happy environment beats having a pool any day. I enjoy my students and we have a lot of fun together while we are learning!Priceless....................................................................

Answer 7

temperature control
light control
availabilty of resources touch pad boards
Lab tops
OHPs
Fans / heaters