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Outdated assumptions about learning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