Catriona Bennett, management 2020 1

Designed for:
Classroom Teachers in a Designed by: Date: Version:
Empathy Map Canvas primary school teachers and students

WHO are we empathizing with? What do they need to DO?

1 Teachers and learners need to be able to collaborate, communicate, think 2
Teachers, students, teacher aides
They are facing a potential refurbishment of classrooms that are old and inflexible in creatively and critically, problem solve, innovate, and connect with others virtually
their use. Their role in the learning space is to faciltate learning, as well as socially and emotionally.
guide from the side during student collaboration, provide direct instruction Learners will need to work as a whole class, individually and in small groups.
where needed and manage the physical, social and virtual spaces for the Teachers will need to be able to supervise and assist students regardless
6 learners so the spaces are positive, accessible and inclusive. of the task or group setting. We will know if they are successful if
we can see evidence of the above activities
happening smoothly, calmly and effectively.
The goal is a space that better
reflects the primary school vision
What do they HEAR? for pedagogy and learning spaces What do they SEE?
Noise is a huge inhibiting factor as there is no acoustic
treatment on the buildings. It is situated in a part of the school
7 What do they THINK and FEEL? They see classrooms in other schools with more
natural light and connection between indoors and
that looks like ti would be quiet but isn't. There is constant foot PAINS/FEARS/ANXIETIES GAINS/ WANTS/ HOPES/ outdoors. They see that other schools have flexible
traffic from outside school hours care before and after school • Will I be made to team DREAMS
furniture and flexible spaces that can be opened,
coming past the rooms.
At least three days a week preps and year ones do 'Loose
teach? But I'm an • I really want to feel
comfortable and
3 closed and maneuvered in different ways for
introvert! different purposes.
Parts' play outside these classrooms after lunch until home respected when I come
• What if I can't change They see a move towards more constructivist
time and even with the windows and doors closed it is hard to to school.
my teaching or learning pedagogy and the new primary school vision being
• I want this space to
hear the class inside. This makes teaching very difficult and style to suit the space? very student-centred, future focused, play based,
work for everyone.
restricts the type of activities that are suitable. It also further • Does everyone have to • I really hope this new authentic contexts and inquiry-based.
limits access to outside. teach/learn the same or space will help us to
In terms of messaging, children are hearing that they need to can we still add our own connect with each other
exercise self-control in terms of noise, which is hard to do.
What do they SAY?
flavour to things? better and learn form
They are hearing that they need to exercise concentration, and • What about children each other more. "We would really love to try team teaching, project -based
be more self-directed. Sometimes the noise and the space with special needs? • I want it to be easier to learning but the space doesn't work well for that" (teachers).
makes that hard to do without distraction, hence why many How will they be catered use technology. "We feel disconnected from each other. We would like a
seek to work outside or a quiet zone. for? • I hope the space will 4 flexible, inclusive space that reflects a sense of community
Teachers are hearing messaging from the school in terms of help us to spread out, and collegiality". (teachers)
the newly released primary school vision for teaching, learning make things, be "We don't have enough space for whole class, quiet work
creative! and group work at the same time" (teachers and students).
and learning spaces. They know that the goal is to be student-
centred, to promote collaboration, personal agency, strong 5 What other thoughts and feelings might motivate their
behavior?
"It is just too loud when we work this way because we
literacy and numeracy foundational skills, embed ICTs can't really create zones well enough" (teachers and
Compliance? New opportunities? Trust?
into learning contexts and promote and foster social students).
and emotional health and wellbeing within a "I don't mind the kids working outside as well as
Christian world view. in, but it hard to supervise from a visual
What do they DO? point of view" (teachers)
"Never enough power points
Teachers have wifi and laptops but still mostly teach form the front because of the fixed direction projectors. They have big desk which take
now that we are all using
up a lot of space. Students gather at the front of the room for direct instruction. It is also used for circle time(class meetings and emotional check
devices!" (everyone!)
ins). Students love working in an informal ways and like having choice in how and where they work. Couches, cushions, rocker chairs, lap desks, and
lying on the floor are popular ways to work. Many students like wobble stools, standing, or lying on the floor for the sensory feedback they get through
their bodies and the environment. They need to move. They also seek calming places and spaces at times.
Learners work in groups and on their own. They use their iPads and their class virtual space on a daily basis in multiple classrooms. It would be great
to see them being more hands on and making things, solving problems in a hands on way, but it's a little restricted by the lack of makerspace, wet area,
sink or storage.
Last updated on 16 July 2017. Download a copy of this canvas at http://gamestorming.com/empathy-map/ © 2017 Dave Gray, xplane.com