So I’m back sitting in a local Starbucks. Lots of people are sitting around talking, laughing, staring out windows, staring at laptops and other tech devices. Many people are reading newspapers (and they think newspapers are becoming antiquated) and it would seem that most people are relaxed and enjoying themselves. So what has created this arena that people are relaxed, reading, learning, discussing ideas and events with other people, and engagement seems high?
Is it the soft music in the background?
Is it the comfortable furniture?
Is it the expensive coffee drinks?
Is it the pictures of African coffee plantations that show content and happy workers?
Is it the overly friendly and chatty workers?
Is it the decor? (Plants,friendly colors, etc)

Let’s look into the classrooms of the 21st century? – I’m looking at it from a middle / secondary perspective since this is my Ed. Background.

– many are mono colored?
– many have whiteboards covering the walls of the classroom
– many have a PowerPoint projector installed on ceiling
– they all have 30-35 wooden/metal desks plus a teacher desk
– the walls might have some posters, etc on walls
– no music is playing

For the most part students are listening to a teacher instruct / lecture while they are copying down notes, then some sort of worksheet or assignment will be completed. students might be listening, they might not, some are texting, some are doodling, some are staring off into space.

Whys the classroom devoid of the engagement that we see from people in Starbucks? Why do people, who are free to do whatever they want, engaged with newspapers, laptops, discussions, etc with themselves and within groups of people? But in a classroom the majority of people are disengaged? I’m not sure if I can base this difference on the atmosphere of Starbucks. But what else could it be?

This is perplexing….next blog will look at impact of atmosphere, decor, etc on student engagement. Let’s delve a little deeper into the rabbits hole.