Academic Learning Spaces: Invention, (Re)Invention and Innovation

June 7 – 8, 2010Tallahassee, Florida

Jeannie KamermanUniversity of West Florida

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One size does NOT fit all or even most.

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Outdated assumptions about learning

Learning happens at fixed times in classrooms

Learning is an individual activity

Learning demands privacy and the removal of distractions

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Learning has evolved

Sage on the stage

Guide on the side

Collaboration and group participation in active learning projects

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Learning environments

Safe and welcoming Not austere or unapproachableSense of belonging to the communityStudents need to feel they are valued and

their needs are heard Students require an area they can

personalize to their needs and wishes

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LovabilityPlaces people return to with friends in tow

Where people feel elevated, comfortable, and social

William M. Brown AIA, Architect8

Diverse work-styles

9Dugdale, S., Torino, R., & Felix, E. A case study in master planning the learning landscape

Desired Learning Space characteristics

Flexibility Movable furniture Acoustical and visual

separation which promotes collaboration

Peer-to-peer learning Genius bar/Apple

greeter Well-trained technical

assistants readily available

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Desirable Learning Spaces Characteristics

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Importance

Performance

Rating: Lower is better

Survey of Learning Space Design. Herman Miller, Inc.Society for College and University Planning SCUP 11

Adaptability

Spaces that support people, activities, and change, while keeping pace with a multitude of learning and teaching styles

Learners want a fixed base they can claim astheir own

Flexible, responsive environmentSpace which responds to the needs of the

learners

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Social

Learners want a sense of belongingSense of communityLearners desire a sense of group identity

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Spaces that support collaboration, interaction, and engagement

HealthfulSpaces that promote safety and physical well-being of students, faculty, and staff

Healthful indoor air quality with low volume emissions of volatile organic compounds

For the psychological well-being Natural lightingWindow viewsControllable thermostat

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SustainableSpaces that are environmentally responsible during construction through the lifetime of the facility

Spaces which are dedicated to reducing

CO2 emissionsWater consumptionEnergy useSolid waste

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Resourceful

Space that supports long-term efficiency and use of assets

Stimulating

Spaces that attract people and spark creative thinking

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Students want peer-to-peer learning

EDUCAUSE Quarterly (2009) 32 (1)

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Library spaces and the educational experience

Aligning library learning spaces with the nature of the educational experience needs to be

Less about library operations and services and more about student learning.

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Susan McMullen The learning Commons Model Best Practices…

Learning SpacesDesigning learning space in collaboration with students, faculty, librarians, and other academic support

Results in a place Where learning will happenWhere students will take responsibility for and control over their own learning

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Learning will happen!

The question is not what should be in the place but what should happen in the space.

Ohio Township Public Library Newburgh, IN