Collaborative Classroom with Boomerang Desks

The Need for Collaborative Classrooms

The 21st century sees increasing demand for people who work well in teams, and technology makes it easier for professionals to collaborate whether they're down the hall or across the globe. New ideas come from building on different perspectives gained through working with others. Schools recognize the need for curriculum that includes collaborative activities, through which students hone interpersonal skills and learn effective communication. They practice active listening, learn to blend ideas into compromise, and stay fully engaged in their learning to retain and apply knowledge to new situations.

What Makes a Great Collaborative Classroom?

For Students

The ideal collaborative classroom gives everyone equal opportunity to participate, allowing students to easily arrange themselves into groups of various sizes. When students work comfortably, they focus on creativity and teamwork. Workspaces must allow all team members to see each other without straining, and students need access to whiteboards, monitors, or other media for presentations and communication.

For Teachers

The collaborative classroom should maximize teachers' ability to move among different teams for mentoring and idea exchange. Teachers need to address the whole class for assignments and demonstrations while easily reconfiguring the room for optimal student collaboration. Easy access to whiteboards and media allows posting assignments without interrupting teamwork.

For Administrators

The collaborative learning space should be arranged and furnished to achieve the vision for that space. All products must be available when needed with correct, on-time delivery and quick, efficient installations.

Collaborative Classroom Layout Zones That Work

Collaboration Stations

Allow students to arrange themselves for effective interaction with multiple height and seating options.

• Chair-height collaborative desks: Used individually for quiet study or arranged into groups with easy-clean desktops
• Flexible school chairs: Durable reinforced plastic with smooth, anti-static seats and lightweight design
• Counter-height collaborative tables: Alternative workspace for standing work and breaking sitting monotony
• Stool-height chairs: Compatible with counter tables, better vantage point with full leg extension
• Mobile teacher workstation: Personal work surface on wheels with storage pedestals for demonstration materials
• Mobile teacher chair: Rolling chair for easy movement between group areas

Storage Stations

Mobile storage solutions that bring supplies to collaboration areas without interrupting discussions.

• Mobile bin storage carts: Roll directly to stations with removable bins for easy material distribution
• Mobile storage carts with shelves: Spacious areas for in-progress and completed projects with rolling casters
• Lockable storage cabinet: Secure devices and materials requiring supervision while reducing distractions

Media Stations

Facilitate communication and idea generation from multiple classroom locations.

• Double-sided whiteboard easels: Roll to workstations with two surfaces for brainstorming and presenting ideas
• Mobile magnetic markerboard: Large writing surface with magnetic capabilities for displaying papers and storyboards
• High-capacity charging cart: Keep classroom devices charged with locking security and additional storage surface

Choosing Your Collaborative Classroom Solution

School Outfitters makes it simple to outfit a classroom tailored specifically for collaborative learning. Choose the classroom that best fits your budget and needs and get an itemized quote with just one click. Our research and development professionals have designed furnishings that fit collaborative learning pedagogy, with products grouped to spark teamwork and keep interactions going.

Need help? Call us at 1-800-260-2776 and our helpful representatives will answer any questions about our stations and how you can put them to use in your collaborative learning classroom.