Active Learning Space in Hen Hud High School's Academy Program

From Hendrick Hudson HS: Step into a classroom within Hendrick Hudson High School’s Academy program, and you will see students clustered together around high-top tables, seated throughout the room in upholstered, wheeled chairs or perched upon stools that wobble. Welcome to “active learning spaces,” classrooms designed to foster greater engagement and prepare students for the 21st century college classrooms and workspaces that lie ahead.

The Academy program provides a cooperative and nurturing learning environment for high school students who have not succeeded in traditional educational settings. The program features four core academic classes (English, Math, Social Studies, and Science) and includes a counseling component. Students participate in regular specials, language and health classes at the high school. Formerly housed in a classroom on the top floor of the high school, and serving grades 10 and 11, the Academy now has its own dedicated space, consisting of four classrooms in close proximity to one another. The move, which has essentially created a “school within a school,” allowed for the expansion
of the program to all four grades and, most recently, innovative classroom modifications resulting in active learning spaces.

“We want the classrooms to be student centered rather than teacher centered,” explained Assistant Principal Laura Neier, who initially learned about active learning spaces at a principal’s retreat. “In active learning spaces, information is directed toward the students, rather than having everybody stare at one spot at the front of the room.” She traveled with the Academy staff to Southern Westchester BOCES’ Lower Hudson Regional Information Center in Harrison to see a model “active learning center” so they could visualize such set ups in their classrooms.

The district partnered with MeTEOR Education, a company specializing in creating modern learning environments for “high-impact learning experiences.” Among the items purchased through MeTEOR were wobble stools, high-top tables, rolling ottomans that serve as work spaces, interlocking tables and long, conference-style tables with built-in outlets. Over the summer, MeTEOR provided staff training on the use of the new furniture, and there is follow up training planned for later in the school year. Neier traveled with Academy students to Chappaqua High School to observe that district’s active learning spaces. The experience helped the students play a role in classroom layout at the Academy. “Our students told us that for certain classes, such as math, they preferred tables so they could collaborate, while comfortable, flexible seating might be preferable in an English class,” she said. “We want to optimize every learning opportunity for our students,” said Scott Perlman, Academy teacher and program coordinator. “With the new furnishings, we can have small-group interaction in one part of the classroom, a student leading a discussion with fellow classmates in another, and a teacher giving a lesson to a group of students in yet another area.”

'Perlman said the new classroom set-ups have been a source of pride for Academy students and have already had a positive effect. Sophomore Aaron Travis said the flexible, mobile furniture is “more comfortable and makes it easier to see the SMART Board.” Junior Dave Imm agreed, saying, “being able
move around actually helps us stay focused, and the tables allow us to work together in groups.”

Neier is confident the move to active learning spaces will benefit the students. “The Academy has always been successful,” said Neier. “These innovations make our program even stronger.”

Images Courtesy of Hen Hud Academy