Research on Flexible Learning Spaces

Flexible learning spaces at other institutions

Wallenberg Hall at Stanford University
Includes a photo gallery, research findings, and case studies

Columbia Center for New Media Teaching and Learning Experimental Digital Classroom

San Diego State Learning Research Studio

University of Chicago Center for the Study of Languages

Campus learning spaces are increasingly being designed to promote interactive learning experiences and dynamic teaching. These new spaces enable students and faculty to use of a range of technologies for presentation, communication, and collaboration and are designed to be quickly and easily reconfigured to support different types of learning experiences.

Over the past 10 years increasing interest and research into the psychology of learning spaces has resulted in a range of publications related to the design of learning spaces for higher education. This research suggest three principles to guide the design of effective spaces:

Principle 1: Effective learning spaces are student-centered

Student preference for active participation and social learning
Learning takes priority over teaching
Power, authority, and voice are shared

Principle 2: Effective learning spaces promote active, collaborative learning

Students are not passive recipients
Student experiences and opinions are share and validated
Interactivity and hypothesis testing are encouraged

Principle 3: Effective learning spaces can positively influence behavior

Design of a space will influence how people behave (“built pedagogy”)
Space sends a message about expectations
Well-designed spaces foster active engagement

References

EDUCAUSE e-book: Learning Spaces, by Diana Oblinger
Overview of modern approaches to the design of learning environments in higher education that integrate space, technology, and pedagogy to facilitate active learning.

Planning and Designing Effective Learning Spaces (JISC infoNet)
UK resources which describe the 'vital role' played by technology in the design of contemporary learning spaces in higher education. Includes links to the 2006 publication Designing spaces for effective learning containing illustrations and case studies.

Environmental Behavior Research and the Design of Learning Spaces, by Lennie Scott-Webber
Describes behavioral and sociological research findings to support the creation of rich, interactive learning spaces.
Society for College and University Planning, 2004.