Space and consequences: The impact of different formal learning spaces on instructor and student behavior

Abstract

This article presents the results of a quasi-experimental research project investigating the impact of two different formal learning spaces – a traditional classroom and a technologically enhanced active learning classroom – on instructor behavior, classroom activities, and levels of on-task student behavior at the University of Minnesota. Using time-series data collected as part of a series of classroom observations, we demonstrate that not only are clear differences manifest in terms of what occurred within each space, but that the different classroom types are linked causally to the observed differences in instructor and student behavior.

Keywords

• learning space
• assessment
• formal classroom
• design
• scale-up
• active learning classroom
• ALC
• impact
• teaching
• pedagogy