UofM Active Learning Classrooms

May 2015, Science Teaching & Student Services (STSS) renamed to Robert H. Bruininks Hall (BruH)

Active Learning Classrooms (ALC)

University of Minnesota Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) are designed to foster interactive, flexible, student-centered learning experiences, and operate using central teaching stations and student-provided laptops.

Watch how ALCs in BruH are utilized:

Embed gadget

Video credits: produced by Robin Wright, created by Andy Underwood-Bultmann, and music by Falcon Arrow


Renovated Space
The Educause Quarterly (vol. 32, no. 1, 2009) has a number of articles on learning spaces, including the lead article, Using the PAIR-up Model to Evaluate Active LearningSpaces. The article provides a good description of the pilot, rooms, and research (the evolution) of renovated classroom space. 

Article link:


New Construction:
The files below include an overview presentation, with images of the BruH at the University of Minnesota: student study space, public art,Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) and tiered lecture hall.  Also available are the audio/visual drawings for the classrooms, which provide the details beyond a parts list. Please note the building opened in 2010 and the technology installed today would be different than listed in the drawings.

BruH 312 is an ALC with approximate dimensions 68'L x 44'W x 13'H. Attached layout of classroom 312, is approximately 2800ASF and seats 126 students, which equates the ALCs to 22-23 ASF/student.

The round student tables installed in BruH were custom pieces from Teknion: three movable tables plus a center pedestal. The tables were a fully custom solution, largely designed by us, and produced by a group at Teknion that does custom cabinetry. The upper portion of the technology pedestal (with the speakers and microphones) was produced by a local millshop.

The main features we were looking for in the chairs was height adjustment, wheels for mobility, and minimal other functions.  Many chairs are available that would work very well.

**Science Teaching & Student Services (STSS) renamed to Robert H. Bruininks Hall (BruH) but file names and documents below were not renamed:

ALC documents