Students need to be actively engaged in the classroom in order to create opportunities for meaningful, deep learning. Students are also “likely to adopt the mode of learning signaled by the existing layout and type of furniture” (JISC, 2006, p.25). Only recently has there has been an increasing focus in higher education on the transformation of the physical learning environment on campus based on what we know about how students learn (Jamieson, 2000). How does a university develop this shift towards thinking about learning spaces? Ten years ago, the Provost gave our teaching and learning centre the opportunity to lead the process of redesigning learning spaces. This decision, while historically not seen as a role for a teaching and learning centre, was seen as an opportunity to enact change across the institution. This interactive session will focus on exploring and discussing a ten-year process on how our university has changed to make learning spaces a strategic priority. Participants will reflect on and discuss the key elements of success and how it could apply to their own university teaching and learning initiatives.
Jamieson, P., Fisher, K., Gilding, T., Taylor, P. G., & Trevitt, A.C.F. (2000). Place and space in the design of new learning environments. Higher Education Research and Development, 19(2), 221-237.
Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC). (2006). Designing spaces for effective learning: A guide to 21st Century learning space design. Retrieved from http://www.jisc.ac.uk/uploaded_documents/JISClearningspaces.pdf
