Learners Communicating for
Active Learning Classroom | Did You Know? Visionary Status | Book Review Hot 5 | Badges, Anyone? | Difficult Students
BGSU’s Active Learning Classroom
BGSU is debuting a new Active Learning Classroom (ALC) test-bed space in 126 Hayes Hall. The CTL has prepared several opportunities for professional development in support of the ALC and active learning strategies. Each of these opportunities is available to all educators at BGSU, including educators at BGSU Firelands College. 1.The ALC workshop offers an overview of the room, and the pedagogical methods that inspired the design of the room. 2.Teaching with Tablets is a workshop built to inform participants about trends in tablet (iPad) use that support student learning. 3. Individual CTL consultations can be designed to investigate or cultivate an idea to enhance a course to encourage active learning. ALC Workshops are scheduled for December 4, 10, and 13. Register at http://www.bgsu.edu/ctl/page96846.html Note: All of these workshops can be offered for educators at BGSU Firelands as well. Just inquire at ctl@bgsu.edu. The ALC is a cutting-edge learning space that enables instructors to engage students deeply in active learning experiences. The ALC design includes four round tables
that seat up to nine students each. Each table is equipped with rolling chairs to encourage movement and flexible, easily rearranged groups. These tables make the ALC a natural fit for student group work. The arrangement of the tables eliminates the typical notion of a room having a “front” or “back,” which, in turn, keeps students focused on collaboration rather than on the instructor. Also, the table configuration encourages the instructor to move throughout the room and promotes dialogue with students individually and in groups. Lastly, with movable chairs, students can easily turn any direction to view and engage with work that is being displayed throughout the room on large-screen monitors. The design of BGSU’s Active Learning Classroom is based on similar efforts such as SCALE-Up at North Carolina State and initiatives at the University of Minnesota and McGill University as well as on research supporting effective teaching. Each aspect of the design is supported by research on the relationship between classroom space and student learning and engagement. (Continued on p.2)
Fall 2012: Issue Two