Nov 12, 2007 6:01 pm US/Central
Students 'Stand Up' For Learning In MN Classroom
MARINE ON ST. CROIX, Minn. (WCCO) ―
-
-
With the help of a Wisconsin company a Minnesota teacher came up with a desk that encourages students to stand.
CBS
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.
His classmate Lydia Currier agreed, "My handwriting's way better and I am more active during the day."
The research project was made possible through a grant from the Education Minnesota Foundation and the Stillwater Partnership Plan. Sunway Company out of Centuria, Wis. manufactured the work stations and they hope to introduce the product nationwide.
The University of Minnesota is conducting a study on whether or not the new stations improve student learning.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
