Kohn- What to look for in a classroom

When we walk into a room, what tells us that it is a good room to learn in? Alfie Kohn's "What to Look for in a Classroom" gives us an easy standard for asking that question, changing much of the old schooling assumptions.

Instead of focusing on order, compliance, or rows of silent students, Kohn encourages us to look deeper. Inviting classrooms, are spaces where students are active participants in their learning. You’ll find children working together, exploring real questions, and engaging in hands-on activities that spark curiosity.

Kohn also points out student choice. In great classrooms, students get to pick what they're studying and how they demonstrate what they know. I see this in my classroom, the students are working on a project where they get to choose what they are researching. Depth of study is worth more than width, and students are able to study issues thoroughly that are important to them.

The second area is assessment. Rather than standardized tests, quality classrooms use authentic assessments, actual tasks, portfolios, and projects that provide a better reflection of student progress. In its most basic understanding, Kohn's chart reminds us that learning is less about control and more about creating a love of learning. It encourages teachers and parents to think about what is most important in a learning environment.