How to Use Learning Walls in the Classroom

It is a fact that a student’s environment influences their learning. More specifically, the classroom environment influences literacy development. This is why learning walls are so crucial in education.

Typical classrooms usually involve some informative posters, such as a large periodic table or an inspirational quote. While these are great at conveying the theme of the class, they are not the best at promoting the facilitation of learning. The goal of a learning wall is to have “walls that teach”.

Walls That Teach

Learning walls are visual classroom displays focused on the class’s learning intentions. They are intended to facilitate the student’s learning process and likewise evolve throughout the school year. Teachers can implement learning walls in a variety of ways to help students and make things fun for the classroom.

The way the brain conceives information is important to take into account when designing a learning wall. For example, adding colors and different textures may help highlight specific concepts and ideas.

However, one thing to avoid is clutter. Research from Carnegie Mellon University indicates that too much of a good thing could end up disrupting attention and learning. This does not mean that teachers should go tearing down current displays. Instead, arrange the wall much like how the mind organizes information.

The decoration of the classroom is not for show, it is a visual aid for students. What’s important and also different about learning walls is that students also get input. Students work together to decide what should be included in the walls’ content.

Walls that Grow with Students

• Much like your students, your wall should evolve. An effective learning wall reflects student learning and outcomes.
• “Walls that teach” are typically interactive and utilized by students regularly.
• The learning wall is representative of student discussion and thought processes.
• Posters, charts, and data created by students are much more effective than store-bought or school-supplied material.

Effective learning walls never have one set model. Instead, it’s best if they don’t follow a model and they do what’s best for the students.

For example, creating a class timeline, consisting of important learning events. The timeline will evolve as the year goes on and can be added to the content students were already learning, along with connections to current events. This will bring the content to life for students all while engaging them in the learning process. It is also a great example of an interactive learning wall.

Another idea is to use students’ work throughout the year. Displaying students’ work will not only remind students of the lesson but also show progress. It will help motivate students and make them feel good about themselves and their hard work.

Ultimately, the purpose of a learning wall is to promote multiple learning, thinking, and writing opportunities for all students. The best type of learning is also fun and interactive, and no better way to encourage this than through a well-established learning wall.

A Student-Focused Environment at Renton Prep

At Renton Prep we focus on providing lessons that deepen our students’ understanding of themselves and the world around them so they can effectively prepare for the future. Our focus on high-quality education is driven by our motivation and passion for our students. To learn more about our teaching methods or if you have questions about enrollment, please contact us.

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