Ending open concept schools would be a 'mistake,' says professor
Shutting the door on open concept schools in Windsor-Essex in favour of a system that builds walls between students would be a "mistake," according to a University of Windsor professor.
The traditional four-wall system segregates children, explained associate education professor Yvette Daniel.
Her comments come following an effort by Greater Essex County District School Board trustee Ron LeClair to end what he describes as the "outdated" system.
"Open concept is not an ideal learning environment for our children," said LeClair.
The board only has two open-concept schools left — Sandwich West Public School in LaSalle and Roseville Public School in east Windsor.
LeClair has put forward a motion requesting a report, which will be heard in September, to identify how much it would cost to convert these elementary schools back to the type of set up most students are accustomed to.
Biggest complaint is noise
Many parents have expressed concern about their children learning in the more open environment, according to the trustee — the biggest complaint, he added, is noise.
"Obviously noise is not conducive to the best learning environment," the trustee added.
An open concept is also not as safe as a traditional school, according to LeClair, who said parents are worried what a lockdown would look like in such an accessible area.
"Quite frankly our schools are very safe. I'm not concerned about the safety of our students," he said. "However, an open concept school is not necessarily as secure as a tradition school with walls."
Teachers need to embrace the idea
Open concept classrooms can work, according to Daniel — teachers just need to embrace the system and learn how to play to its strengths.
"Many times this experiment has failed, not because the idea was not good, it is because the way it was implemented," said Daniel.
Most importantly, she said teachers have to work collaboratively in student pods to make it open concept schools a success. When done right, there are many benefits, she added.
"Children can get more creative when they don't have these conventions of the four walls," Daniel explained.
The professor said open classrooms are more student-centred, which allows for better teamwork among different age groups. It also means there's room for several teachers, instead of just one in a traditional setting, allowing them to focus on groups of students who may be learning at different levels.
Even the University of Windsor has many walls of segregation that aren't ideal for collaboration, she admits, because "we're so used to working in silos."
Daniel said she believes all new schools should also be open concept. Realistically, she knows that's not likely to happen as it's "difficult to change people's minds."
Still, Daniel said she would like to see the local public board give the remaining two open concept schools another chance before shuttering the idea forever.
"Learning doesn't happen when children are sitting in rows," she said. "In fact, the least amount of learning happens that way."
