Reserving Space for Active Learning

The classroom itself is an important situational factor for our teaching, one that can present both obstacles and opportunities. From the type and arrangement of the furniture, to the available analog and digital technologies, the features of a classroom enable or hinder various teaching practices, and they can shape students’ expectations of the learning experience.

For example, if the chairs are bolted facing a lectern and the desks have very little room to work, students will likely expect to spend class sessions passively watching and listening to the professor deliver content. If the room is full of tables surrounded by movable chairs, students may expect to work and interact during class sessions.

To support faculty as we develop and implement active forms of teaching and learning (e.g., collaborative problem-solving, small group peer review, role-play activities, case study analysis and discussion, etc.).