Transform Your Classroom: The Power of a Well-Designed Teaching Wall

Written By Ray Giarola

A well-designed teaching wall can transform how teachers teach and how students learn - here’s what makes them so effective.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
— Benjamin Franklin

Over the past 30 years, the way educators teach has evolved dramatically and our classroom environments should reflect that change. The traditional teaching wall, once limited to a single blackboard mounted at the front of the room, no longer meets the dynamic needs of modern teaching and learning. Today’s teaching wall should be a thoughtfully designed, multi-modal hub that supports both instruction and interaction.

A contemporary teaching wall integrates a variety of tools and features, including ample storage, writable surfaces, display areas for student work, and interactive technologies such as smart TVs and projectors. This centralised setup not only enhances the functionality of the classroom but also fosters a more engaging and organised learning experience.

When designed effectively, a teaching wall offers several key benefits:

Centralise Learning Resources

By consolidating teaching tools and materials in one location, it minimizes distractions, keeps students focused and stores in one location all tools accessible by teachers.  This centralisation also supports smoother transitions between activities, saving valuable instructional time.

Student Engagement

Interactive elements such as smartboards, writable surfaces and pinboards encourage participation, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Students are more likely to stay involved when they can interact directly with the content.

“A good teacher isn’t someone who gives the answers out to their kids but is understanding of needs and challenges and gives tools to help other people succeed.”
— Justin Trudeau

Maximises Classroom Space

With integrated storage for books, supplies, and technology, it reduces clutter and ensures that essential resources are always well organised and within reach. This contributes to a more productive and visually appealing classroom environment.

By utilizing vertical surfaces and combining multiple functions into one area, the teaching wall frees up room for group work, movement, and creative activities.

Richlands East State School general learning area with teaching wall. Photographer: Highshots Photography.

 What’s behind a well-designed teaching wall?

Designing a teaching wall involves a series of thoughtful decisions that balance functionality, flexibility, and aesthetics. While every school’s needs are unique, there are several core components and options to consider.

  1. Sliding panels are a key feature. These often include writable magnetic whiteboards that serve as both teaching surfaces and organisational tools. Fabric pinboards are another popular choice, allowing for the display of student work, timetables, or notices while also contributing to acoustic control in the classroom. Panels can be full-height, concealing the entire wall when closed, or start at bench height to keep lower storage areas accessible at all times. This can be seen in below 3D perspective of Caboolture East State School

  2. Internal layout is equally important. Adjustable shelving, as seen in the below images of Caboolture State school’s teaching wall, is a favourite among educators for its flexibility. These shelves can be repositioned to suit different teaching styles or storage needs. Fixed pigeonholes are also commonly included, providing each student with a dedicated space for their belongings and helping to maintain classroom organisation.

  3. At the centre of most teaching walls is an interactive display, such as a smart TV or touchscreen. This acts as the focal point for digital instruction and is typically backed by a fabric pinboard to maintain visual consistency and utility.

  4. Some teaching walls incorporate custom features tailored to the school’s specific requirements. These might include a built-in teacher’s desk, a mini fridge for classroom snacks or medication, or even a reading nook to encourage quiet, independent learning.

3D Perspective of Caboolture East State School teaching wall - panels closed.

3D Perspective of Caboolture East State School teaching wall - panels hidden.

Ultimately, the teaching wall should be designed to support the school’s pedagogical goals while enhancing the classroom’s usability and atmosphere. By investing in a well-considered design, schools can create a space that empowers both teachers and students.

Mancel College teaching wall. Photographer: Cam Murchison.

If you’d like to see more of our projects that feature a teaching wall, check out our projects page. 

Or call our studio on 07 3878 3330 to find out more about how we can collaborate to bring your vision to life.

 
Ray Giarola
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