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The Perfect Space: Classroom Environments and Learning Outcomes

This study explores the impact of classroom spaces on instructional design and student learning outcomes. It highlights the importance of flexible spaces, strong technology, and consideration of physical and sensory conditions. The study also discusses the benefits of library classrooms for active learning and reduced anxiety among instructors.

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The Perfect Space: Classroom Environments and Learning Outcomes

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  1. The Perfect Space: Classroom Environments and Learning Outcomes Elizabeth Yates, Liaison/Scholarly Communication Librarian Justine Cotton, Liaison Librarian

  2. Is there a perfect space? What we heard…

  3. *Flexible everything* Bright colours/windows 1+ Projector/whiteboard Storage Strong wifi Possible bonus feature! “gin & tonic for the librarian post-workshop”

  4. The Perfect Space? http://www.cmu.edu/computing/clusters/facilities/ctc.html scaleup.ncsu.edu/wiki/pages/12m1C9c6/Massachusetts_Institute_of_Technology.html http://www.dal.ca/news/2013/04/08/the-changing-classroom.html

  5. The Survey: • Fall 2014 • Librarians & library staff • In-person library instruction • Ontario college and university libraries • 52 respondents

  6. About the respondents Landaff, Grafton County, New Hampshire. The Blue School teacher is a Massachusetts girl, new this year U.S. National Archives

  7. Formal training in teaching?

  8. Years of Experience in Teaching:

  9. Years of Experience as Librarian/Library Staff:

  10. Teaching landscapes School Classroom. Water J. Hussey Collection, Smithsonian Institution: 2010.0080.29

  11. Number of teaching sessions

  12. In a Library/Learning Commons classroom

  13. In the instructor’s classroom

  14. Another space on campus

  15. Classroom preferences

  16. Classroom preferences: themes

  17. Familiarity Image: 'Catnap' http://www.flickr.com/photos/52187251@N03/6272147093Found on flickrcc.net

  18. What we heard: • “ I like providing instruction on my own ‘turf’ where I can easily troubleshoot any technical or other issues.” • “ I know this environment best … in my house … I feel I have more control.”

  19. Technology + Active learning Image: laptop work by sqback http://www.freeimages.com/profile/sqback

  20. What we heard: • “more engagement and interaction; better understanding … self efficacy” • “students learn better that way” • “more authentic learning experience”

  21. Classroom landscapes Tory Island outdoor classroom by David Baird CC-BY http://www.geograph.ie/photo/1432694

  22. Classroom landscapes: themes

  23. Sensory conditions • Noisy • Hot • Too dark or too bright

  24. Physical conditions • Poor sightlines • Too small • Little flexibility http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/File:Charms_class2.jpg

  25. Classroom spaces

  26. Classroom furniture & equipment

  27. A/V & software

  28. Functional versus optimal • “We use a laptop that really should be a desktop computer in a proper instruction desk. It always seems to be not working properly and is very awkward to use because of the way it is set up. Conversely, there are enough computers to use, but they are often not working correctly either, so a good part of the time is often spent setting up students properly.”

  29. Learning Outcomes & Assessment • Most (80.4%) respondents are using learning outcomes in library teaching • Interestingly, only about half (52%) of respondents ASSESS their library teaching

  30. Assessment – how?

  31. Impact of Classroom Space & Instructional Design • Most respondents (76%) agree that the classroom space has an impact on instructional design • Themes that emerged: • Library classrooms foster hands-on, active learning • Lecture hall space = demo/discussion

  32. Classroom Features that affect student learning outcomes:

  33. “As to noise, lighting and temperature - you cannot learn if you are uncomfortable - it is hard to concentrate.”

  34. “any tech issues (esp. wifi) really impede the learning, as students become more focused on trying to troubleshoot.”

  35. Teaching Space – Where do you feel most confident? All of the above/ confident in any space

  36. Why? • Familiarity with the space and technology • Important to get students in the Library • Ability to incorporate active learning vs. outside Library: • Regular classroom = easier for the students • Neutral territory

  37. Teaching Space – Where do you feel most anxious?

  38. Anxiety: • “I feel responsible if something doesn't work well since it is considered as "my space".”

  39. What does this mean for classroom design? • Incorporate flexibility in design • Ensure reliable & strong technology • Consider physical & sensory issues

  40. What does this mean for instruction? • Library classrooms = lower anxiety for library instructors • Library classrooms offer more opportunity for active learning & group work = better learning outcomes?

  41. Your thoughts on the perfect space?

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