The lecture, while an important tool, is an abused tool when it comes to learning. We need to redesign our classrooms to accentuate active learning strategies. Learning is about dialogue.
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If our current rank and file classrooms are such a productive learning environment, why doesn’t the campus leadership team use them to conduct their meetings? Instead, they use conference rooms. Quite simply, there is power with discussion.
Ideally, we are trying to create a classroom that is student-centered that has a high level of communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Rank and file classrooms do not achieve this goal.
Research has also shown that instructor behavior changes based on the environment. If there is a front of the classroom, that is where the instructor will go and they will then perform from that stage.
When considering an active learning classroom:
- Make the furniture mobile
- Provide ample workspaces
- Remove the front of the room
- Maximize opportunities for creativity and interaction
- Enhance technology
It is important to remember that change to an active learning classroom is for naught if instructors primarily teach using the lecture method.
This week we are going to take a closer look at essential elements for active learning classroom design. Fortunately, much can be done without running up the tab.
Photo by Derek Bruff, Active Learning in Physics. License: CC-BY-NC
Additional Reading
- ITC: 44 – Andragogy – Treating Learners as Adults
- Active-Learning Classrooms: 7 Tips for Higher Education
- How to design remarkable active learning classrooms [checklist]
- 7 steps to designing an active learning classroom
- 6 Secrets of Active Learning Classroom Design
- Lessons in learning
- Active Learning Classrooms
- Teaching in an Active Learning Classroom (ALC)
- Active Learning Classrooms
- When Faculty Design Classrooms of the Future
- Collaboration on Wheels: 21st Century Classroom Furniture at Work
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