By Tessa Vannello
Step into Bachmann 331 at Neumann University, and you feel like you walked into a classroom at an elementary school. That is for good reason. The students learning there are future teachers learning how to properly teach.
Neumann students get a closer look and hands-on experience in a space built just like they will have later in their careers. This mock classroom at Neumann University is designed to mirror an elementary school classroom. It gives students the benefit of getting the chance to practice before stepping into the real thing. I interviewed two education majors to get their take on the mock classroom.
Tools That Bring Teaching to Life
The mock classroom at Neumann University is more than just chairs and desks. It is fully stocked with a bunch of different materials. Inside the classroom, future educators have a wide variety of teaching technology.
“There are a ton of tools in the classroom,” said Krista Geibler, a senior education major at Neumann University. “There are a projector and computer, multiple whiteboards, and a wide range of books.”
These tools are essential to future teachers like Geibler because they gain hands-on experience with the technology and resources provided in a day-to-day classroom. By practicing with projectors, whiteboards, and manipulatives, students have a better understanding and how to engage their young learners and adapt and adjust to their teaching styles.
Geibler also mentions that there is a bunch of hands-on materials that bring the classroom to life. She uses the mock classroom often and believes it is crucial experience for her as education major that builds confidence and skill.
“Almost all of my classes take place in the mock classroom, so I’m in there almost every day,” she said.
A Space That Feels Real
Ainsley George is a senior education major and likes how the classroom is realistic.
“It gives us a chance to really picture ourselves in actual school,” George said. “It’s one thing to learn about lesson plans in a lecture but being able to stand up and practice like we’re in a real classroom makes a big difference.”
Even though there isn’t traditional activity centers in a normal elementary classroom, Ainsley explained that there are plenty of resources to help further her knowledge.
“There are different tools to help you plan lesson plans and materials for hands-on activities, like math blocks or whiteboards,” she said. “There are also stress balls, books for early grade levels, big books with big words, circle tables, a half-circle table- and even a quiet corner in the back with comfy chairs if you need a break.”
As a senior, George did not get to use the classroom last year when learning to plan full lessons, but is happy the school has the space now.
“It would have been great to have that experience last year and in the years before,” she said. “I’m happy that the students coming in now will have it for all four years of college.
Preparing for the Real Deal
Students say the mock classroom helps prepare them for their future classrooms.
George explained that with her being in a classroom it makes it feel realistic, and it helps her ease her mind.
“Having class and working alongside your classmates in a classroom that feels so real to what are we going to make our one day makes your mind feel at ease,” she said.” Working in the classroom is very fun, and I feel like it has helped me feel more prepared for student teaching because it gives me many ideas to use for lesson and activities.”
Geibler agreed, explaining how the mock classroom as a welcome change than your typical campus classroom.
“Working in the mock classroom is a fun change from the average classroom you see on campus,” she said. “It also prepares you for the kind of environment you will be in when you are observing at you field placements. I think it allows us to bring the ideas and concepts we learn and talk about in class to life! Being able to see physical examples of how a classroom should be set up and what it should include is super helpful as well.
