Facelift for America's Classroom

Facelift for America's Classroom ?
ABC News: Feb. 21, 2009

Instead of telling students to sit and be quiet, one teacher makes them stand. Watch video @ ABC news



Students 'Stand Up' For Learning In MN Classroom Reporting
wcco.com: Nov 12, 2007 by John Lauritens

Students in an eastern Minnesota school are "standing up for education." As part of a research project a group of 6th graders at Marine on St. Croix Elementary have turned in their old desks for a unique alternative.

A quick look around Abby Brown's classroom and you will notice that traditional school chairs are missing.

"It looks a little different in the classroom. It looks more active, but it's also keeping their brains more active and alert to what's going on," said Brown.

A couple years ago Brown noticed that she was spending a lot more time standing than her students were, and her students were losing focus.

So with the help of a Wisconsin company she came up with a desk that encourages students to stand.

"They're an adjustable height work station. Adjusted so that it can fit whatever height the student is, but it can also go back so that they can sit if they need to," said Brown.

The idea is a new one but Brown believes the desks allow her class to burn off extra energy and maintain focus. If they do feel the urge to sit, there is a stool and an adjustable foot rest located at the bottom of the work station.

"It is pretty cool because we've got these swinging things and we get to stand more," said 6th grader Kelton Black.

The University of Minnesota is conducting a study on whether or not the new stations improve student learning. READ MORE