Learning, Pedagogy, and Space: Student Engagement and Faculty Teaching Paradigm Shift

• In Event: 32.083 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 32.083-15 - Changing Conceptions of Teaching and Learning

Abstract

This study examined how the active 5E Instructional Model pedagogy and the learning space design with innovative and flexible furnishings in the Active Learning Center (ALC) classroom (funded by a Steelcase® Education Active Learning Center Grant) influence university faculty’s teaching practices and student’s engagement. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. The quantitative analysis results indicated that the ALC learning experience significantly improved students’ class participation and cognitive attentiveness, but had no effect on improving their meaningful processing of new information. The qualitative analysis results, while providing new insights into the quantitative findings, revealed faculty’s changes and weaknesses in teaching practices and the mechanism of the ALC in supporting active learning. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Yan Sun, University of West Alabama

• Celeste Andria Wheat, University of West Alabama

• Jessica C. Wedgworth, University of West Alabama

• Martha Hocutt, University of West Alabama