What is the Pathfinder?

There have been major changes being done to our school over the last few month. The school has made innovative adjustments to some of the English classrooms. The new space, also known as the Pathfinder, is an open space where Ms. Barga, Mr. McCarthy, and Ms. Owen’s classrooms are located. Many students question the purpose of the new “pathfinder.” According to Ms. Barga, “the school is experimenting with more flexible learning spaces and wanted to offer some options that are not conventional classroom spaces. In part, as a preview of what will happen with the bigger build that’s ongoing but will be completed later.”

The purpose of the Pathfinder space is for students to have a quiet environment for students to independently work during their free times.

Students are able to work on couches, tables, and even in the new rooms designed for students to collaboratively work with each other. Junior Sean P. says, “The quiet atmosphere makes me want to get work done.” Due to ongoing constructions, there is a limited space for students to work independently. The Pathfinder makes up for the limited workspace by providing newer and better places for students to work.

Additionally, the space allows students to move around during class when working collaboratively. Teachers are able to combine classes and spread students out during class.

However, there are also disadvantages to the new space—one of them being a source of distraction. As classrooms are “open” to the Pathfinder space, many students are easily distracted by other students in their unsupervised study halls. This can be a huge problem during tests, which is why teachers have been booking other “normal” classrooms for major tests, so students can perform without distractions.

Ms. Barga mentions, “There haven’t been obvious ways to apply the different kind of space to class, except for TOK, where students are able to move around when working.” Since all of this was so sudden, the school didn’t schedule around the new spaces. They didn’t plan for the how the space was going to be applied and used, which is why there haven’t been obvious ways to apply the space. The school wanted some volunteers to work with the new spaces this year and report back about what’s working and what needs to change. One change that many students suggested is having blinds that go down so you can create the intimacy of an English classroom, where people feel comfortable sharing things and they don’t feel their backs are constantly exposed to strangers 

If any of you have any feedback about the Pathfinder, please comment on this post or let the English department know!