The artifact shown is my classroom map that is a guide to how I will be setting up my future classroom. As part of my classroom one of the things that I want to have in it as shown is tables put into groups. A traditional classroom layout of all the desks in rows I think is very unrealistic to how student's actually learn. What I have setup is tables that are "pods" of four people at each table. These are setup as four corners of a square and one in the middle. This is great for group collaboration and learning as supported by the following: “Keep high-traffic areas free of congestion. High-traffic areas include group-work areas, the space around the pencil sharpener and wastebasket, doorways, computers, certain bookshelves and supply areas, student desks, and the teacher’s desk. High-traffic areas should be separated and easily accessible”(Classroom Management for Middle and High School Teachers by Emmer and Evertson p11). It allows students to work in teams while also allowing groups to change depending on the needs of the assignment. In my field placements thus far the desks are all facing the front and often times as I have seen thus far group collaboration doesn't really happen or occurs in a limiting fashion. I want collaboration in my classroom since ultimately the class is a team.
I have whiteboards on three sides of the classroom, which allows for my students to plan out by sketching out ideas on a big surface. My teacher's desk is in the back of the room so I can see students on their way in yet not have it where they will be facing it all the time during class. The laptop/iPad cart will be off to the side in the back so students can grab them yet it also can stay out of the way. Ideally I will have two printers if need be and these will be on either sides of the room. On either side of the main whiteboard will be work supplies and bookcases. If room allows it a carpet at the bookcase too. The majority of my teaching supplies will be at my desk easily assessable with folders or bins for assignments, homework to pass back, and forms to distribute. Common papers students will need will be at the work supplies table along with extra pens, pencils, etc. The following reading supports this "Set up a filing system that allows you to separate the notes, forms, papers, and other materials used in each class. Use different file folders for different periods, and color code them for added efficiency. For each period, keep frequently needed materials and forms separate from those needed only occasionally"(Classroom Management for Middle and High School Teachers by Emmer and Evertson page 18). I would like to move to electronic stuff to run a mostly paperless classroom yet it will of course depend on circumstance and the school.