Australia Moves Away From Open-Plan Classrooms

In Sydney, Picton High School is leading a shift away from open-plan classrooms—a model that gained popularity for promoting collaboration but has faced criticism for causing disruptions.

The Open-Plan Experiment: Introduced to foster interaction and creativity, open-plan classrooms lack traditional walls, encouraging students to work in shared spaces. However, teachers and students have reported challenges, including:

• Noise and Distractions: Large, open spaces make it difficult to concentrate.

• Behavioral Issues: Teachers struggle to maintain order.

• Declining Outcomes: Studies have shown poorer academic performance in such environments.

Back to Basics: The New South Wales government has allocated funds to build walls and restore traditional classrooms. While some educators argue for finding a middle ground, the trend suggests a return to structured learning environments.