This is the first of a two-part series on Teaching in McCormick. Part 1 focuses on the classroom spaces in McCormick Hall. Part 2 focuses on teaching online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2017 McCormick Hall, the oldest building on campus, was in need of a little love and attention. In November of that year, it was the focus of Hastings College’s #GivingTuesday campaign, and donors gave generously. (Thank you!) As a result of that successful campaign, we were able to redesign all the classrooms in the building.
This is a look into that process.
Identifying Problems
The first step was to identify problems, which were many.
Problem 1 = Lack of accessibility
- Not all students fit in the old desks
- “Accommodation” furniture did not match the other furniture, which singled out students with physical differences
- Student desks were piled along one wall, which meant there was usually furniture in front of the door
- There was little access to windows
Problem 2 = Outdated assumptions about teaching and learning
- Small desk tops did not allow students to use electronic devices
- There was no place for students to put their big bookbags
- Large space dedicated for the instructor did not allow for many student-centered activities
Problem 3 = Tired aesthetic
- Chipping paint
- Old, stained carpets
Redesigning the Space
Students were the top priority in redesigning the classrooms. The spaces had to be comfortable and allow for a variety of learning and teaching methods. We therefore focused on flexible seating, which is a philosophy of classroom design that puts the students at the center. In particular, we wanted to- Use the full classroom space
- Give students options in seating
- Create more opportunities for collaborative learning
- Ensure the classrooms are accessible
Student Desks
Our first task: replacing students desks. This involved researching desk types and creating to-scale drawings of classroom spaces to assess compatibility.
Students had the opportunity to try out sample desks and chairs and give feedback.
After exploring many different shapes of desks, we settled on good old rectangles and triangles. They allowed for the most efficient use of space. We also chose desks that were height-adjustable so that students have more choice in seating.
“Accommodation” furniture became mostly unnecessary because the chairs and desks were chosen for accessibility. Each room contains two widths of rectangular desks (27” and 36”) and two heights of desks. No more singling students out for physical differences.
In addition to the traditional student desks and chairs, we incorporated some non-traditional flexible seating, including a few bean bag chairs and ottomans that travel from room to room, a sofa in McCormick 223, and an electric fireplace and wingback chairs in McCormick 224. The purpose is to break down the boundaries between the classroom and the outside world and make the spaces a little more comfortable.
Instructor Furniture
For the instructor furniture, we wanted as much mobility as possible. The first change was to get rid of the wooden computer desks, which took up a lot of space and blocked student views. These were practical when each classroom had its own desktop computer but became obsolete when faculty started using laptops. We also got rid of the big tables at the front of each room. They were nice for sitting on but took up a lot of space.We chose sit-stand desks on wheels and lecterns on wheels for instructors. These give instructors the ability to move around the room and to sit or stand during class. Instructors who don’t want to be hindered by furniture at all can just wheel them out of the way.
Technology
While we were redesigning McCormick classrooms, our IT staff was busy updating technology across campus. This involved issuing iPads to all students and faculty and installing Apple TVs in every classroom. This was a game changer in the classroom. (Thank you, IT!) We got rid of the classroom computers, DVD players, TVs, document cameras, etc. Faculty now bring their laptop or iPad to the classroom when they want to project. Students are able to project from their iPads, as well.Additional electrical outlets throughout every classroom ensure that we don’t lose class time to dead batteries.
Aesthetics
Let’s be real. The McCormick classrooms needed a refresh. We chose neutral colors for furniture to complement the architectural style of McCormick Hall. New paint and carpets completed the transformation.Making Changes
Changes were implemented in phases:- March-April 2018. Classroom furniture replaced and Apple TVs installed.
- May 2018. Classrooms painted.
- June 2018. New carpets installed.
- August 2018. Additional electrical outlets installed in each classroom.
How We Use the Classrooms
There are some downsides to the redesigned classrooms—we all had to learn new technology, with bigger desks there is no room to overload classes, etc.—but the classrooms are so much more flexible now. And you can walk into each classroom without tripping over desks or book bags! Faculty can arrange the desks however they like, for lecture or collaborative learning. We can also use more of the wall space in each classroom because students are not forced to sit looking in only one direction.We are even able to use the spaces for more public events, such as presentations. The desks and chairs are stackable, so we can push them to the sides of a classroom and create plenty of space.
And the extra electrical outlets around each classroom are great for potlucks. Just saying.