The classroom is an important resource for effective teaching and learning. The classroom does not only address the physical structure but also the emotional parameters of the room. However, focus must be placed on the physical aspects of classroom design. This qualitative phenomenological study was designed to explore the perceptions of higher…

This developmental study explores the process and outcomes of creating an active learning classroom within a higher education setting. To support student success, institutions have increasingly redesigned their learning spaces to promote active learning. Early initiatives often aimed to facilitate collaborative learning and reduce reliance on…

Purpose: Systematic efforts to study students' use of informal learning spaces are crucial for determining how, when and why students use such spaces. This case study provides an example of an effort to evaluate an informal learning space on the basis of students' usage of the space and the features within the space. Design/methodology/approach:…

Active learning has been a growing trend in education for decades based on its impact on student learning and success. As such, schools, colleges, and universities have invested resources into expanding this teaching approach, including active learning classrooms. But why have some schools been successful at rapidly growing their active learning…

Although learning spaces research is not new, research approaches that target the specific teaching and learning experiences of faculty and students who occupy active learning classrooms (ALCs) is nascent. We report on two novels data collection approaches: Flashbacks and Re-Captures. Both leverage faculty reflective practice and provide windows…

The University of Westminster is undertaking a major classroom refurbishment program that is linked to a new approach to staff development in mobile learning. Feedback obtained from academic staff and students previously highlighted how classrooms should be changed so as to promote more active forms of curriculum delivery. Both technology and…

Discusses how experts on classroom design say that comfortable conditions--temperature, sight lines, acoustics, chairs--allow students to learn more; few colleges have taken the advice, however. (EV)

Describes a U-shaped classroom design developed to provide a learning environment which would optimized more fully student comprehension and retention through emphasis on multisensory learning. (CMV)

Students' degree of territoriality based on gender and seat preferences in different types of classroom arrangements was studied. The types of classroom arrangements included rows of tablet-arm chairs, U-shaped, clusters, and rows of tables with individual chairs. The study was carried out through a survey at a large public institution in the…

Previous research has revealed front and center seating positions are characterized by high student-teacher interaction. In this study it was suggested that one explanation for the high interaction is that students with similar personality characteristics prefer to sit in the central seats. The research hypotheses were partially supported.…

To help architectural students adapt to the realities of the work environment, Gerard Campbell of Holland College has set up his classroom as a design office. Working as a team, the students prepare a complete set of working drawings and construction documents, simulating an actual design process. (JOW)

Discusses the use of interactive television (ITV) in higher education and describes graduate courses taught with ITV at Washington State University. Highlights include problems encountered with ITV in traditional classrooms; criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of ITV classrooms; and guidelines for the development of effective ITV…

Problems to be overcome in making the transition from a traditional classroom to a real business environment include provision for a mix of activities, variety of space sizes and shapes, multifuction spaces, and flexible planning. (Includes guidelines for adapting facilities.) (JOW)

The verbal behavior, physical locations, and seat preferences of members of large groups assembled in row-and-column seating arrangements were investigated. Research procedures revealed that location significantly affected the verbalization rate of certain categories of experimental subjects. The findings confirmed previous observations that there…

A seven-step strategy for improvement of college classroom spaces is outlined, and specific suggestions are made for designing efficient and effective spaces, including considerations for size, arrangement, seating, lighting, writing surfaces, and audiovisual and other classroom teaching equipment. (MSE)