What are the pros and cons of teaching in an open-spaced classroom?

Question

I had the opportunity to interview at an open-space school. I liked EVERYTHING the school had to offer, in addition to the principals mission and vision for the school, which is important! However, I'm a new teacher, this may be my first classroom; I'm a little nervous because I'm so used to the traditional classroom. What can anyone tell me about this type of teaching environment??

Answer 1

I'm starting my fourth year teaching in an open classroom school.  I hated it at first, but it's really starting to grow on me now.  It is very loud at times and distracting during testing.  Buy a "sound machine" that helps you sleep, and use that to help tone out the noise around you.  It's very nice when you need to talk with a co-worker or run to the restroom really quickly.  We can watch each other's classrooms very easily.  The children get used to it.  It's also nice when you have an irrate parent that wants to have a conference.  In this setting, you are not in a closed room with him or her.  Good luck!

Answer 2

I'm assuming you're referring to a classroom without walls.  I taught in one for quite a few years and it really is something you get used to.  

Pro:

You know what is going on around you

You learn to keep the students' interest specifically on you

You  can often pick up teaching ideas and techniques from teachers within your vicinity

Con:

These classrooms can be very loud, especially when a neighboring teaching is doing a loud activity or has poor class control

You don't feel free to make a lot of noise within your own classroom; this can inhibit classroom activities and teaching techniques

Some teachers feel somewhat spied upon

If you like everything else about the school, I'd say go for it.  You learn to adjust to these rooms.  My school  finally decided  the open-concept just wasn't working and put up walls so this school may not always be open-spaced.