The Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and subsequent re-organisation and rebuilding of schools in the region is initiating a rapid transitioning from traditional classrooms and individual teaching to flexible learning spaces (FLS’s) and co-teaching. This transition is driven by the Ministry of Education property division who have specific guidelines for designing new schools, re-builds and the five and ten year property plan requirements. Boards of Trustees, school leaders and teachers are faced with the challenge of reconceptualising teaching and learning from private autonomous learning environments to co-teaching in Flexible Learning Spaces provisioned for 50 to 180 children and two to six teachers in a single space. This process involves risks and opportunities especially for teachers and children. This research project investigates the key components necessary to create effective co-teaching relationships and environments. It explores the lessons learnt from the 1970’s open plan era and the views of 40 experienced practitioners and leaders with two or more years’ experience working in collaborative teaching and learning environments in sixteen New Zealand and Australian schools. The research also considers teacher collaboration and co-teaching as evidenced in literature. The findings lead to the identification of eight key components required to create effective collaborative teaching and learning environments which are discussed using three themes of student centeredness, effective pedagogy and collaboration. Six key recommendations are provided to support the effective co-teaching in a flexible learning space: 1. Situate learners at the centre 2. Develop shared understanding about effective pedagogy in a FLS 3. Develop skills of collaboration 4. Implement specific co-teaching strategies 5. Analyse the impact of co-teaching strategies 6. Strategically prepare for change and the future
Vice-Chancellor Rod Carr shaking hands with John Key before the Community Engagement Awards.
Prime Minister John Key speaks at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.
Prime Minister John Key speaks at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.
Bronze award presented to Alexandra Millen, from Christchurch. Pictured with Prime Minister John Key.
Bronze award presented to Hannah Duder, from Christchurch. Pictured here with Prime Minister John Key.
Bronze award presented to Claire Laredo, from Christchurch. Pictured here with Prime Minister John Key.
Vice-Chancellor Rod Carr talking to Prime Minister John Key before the Community Engagement Awards.
Bronze award presented to Jonathon Atkins, from Christchurch. Pictured here with Prime Minister John Key.
Bronze award presented to Chanel Harris, from Christchurch. Pictured here with Prime Minister John Key.
Prime Minister John Key speaks at an event held to thank the Student Volunteer Army.
Prime Minister John Key speaks at an event held to thank the Student Volunteer Army.
Silver Award presented to Henry Jenkins, originally from Blenheim. Pictured here with Prime Minister John Key.
Silver Award presented to Hamish Drake (from Palmerston North). Pictured here with Prime Minister John Key.
Prime Minister John Key signs a shovel at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.
Prime Minister John Key sits at his desk on which are two baskets; the first is labelled 'Great news' and contains a very few documents and the second which is labelled 'Disasters' is so laden that it is causing the desk to crack. Context: New Zealand seems to be beset with disasters: the earthquakes in Christchurch, the 'Rena' shipwreck and consequeny oilspill etc. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A video of Mayor Bob Parker and Prime Minister John Key speaking at the opening of Re:Start Mall which has been set up on Cashel Street after the 22 February 2011 earthquake. Re:Start mall is made up of shipping-container shops, with the Ballantynes Department Store reopening as a retail anchor.
A photograph of Donna Allfrey's house at 406 Oxford Terrace. Allfrey has placed a sign in the garden which reads, "It's been a lot of fun - yeah right!". The photographer comments, "'It's been a lot of fun' is a quote from John Key about the Canterbury earthquakes and the 'yeah right' is a play on the Tui Beer advertisements".
A photograph of a sign in the garden of Donna Allfrey's house at 406 Oxford Terrace. The sign reads, "It's been a lot of fun - yeah right!". The photographer comments, "'It's been a lot of fun' is a quote from John Key about the Canterbury earthquakes and the 'yeah right' is a play on the Tui Beer advertisements".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Quake: Lyttelton: John Key tours the town in an Army LAV".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Prime Minister John Key meets Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker in Christchurch".
Prime Minister John Key holdsup the award for Sean Maskill who was unable to attend the ceremony.
Prime Minister John Key holdsup the award for Sean Maskill who was unable to attend the ceremony.
Silver Award presented to Jason Pemberton, originally from the USA. Pictured here with Prime Minister John Key.
Vice-Chancellor Rod Carr, Prime Minister John Key and Ian Town walking to the Community Engagement Awards.
Vice-Chancellor Rod Carr, Prime Minister John Key and Ian Town walking to the Community Engagement Awards.
Bronze award present to Matthew Prendergast and Thomas Nation, both from Christchurch. Pictured here with Prime Minister John Key.
Gold Award, presented to Sam Johnson (from Mayfield), Student Volunteer Army founder and leader. With Prime Minister John Key.
Gold Awards, presented to Thomas Young (from Christchurch), Student volunteer ground and logistical operations. With Prime Minister John Key.
Gold Award, presented to Sam Johnson (from Mayfield), Student Volunteer Army founder and leader. With Prime Minister John Key.