Flexibility and Movement in Active Learning Classrooms: Investigating Student Cognitive Engagement From the Faculty Perspective

• In Event: 51.062 - Study of STEM Learning Environments

Abstract

Flexibility is a central aspect of active learning classrooms (ALCs). Our team investigated the implications of flexibility for student engagement in one experimental active learning space. From the analysis of faculty reflections and interviews, systematic classroom observations, and 360-degree video analyses, our findings illuminate the role of physical aspects of the one ALC on student engagement. From these data emerge three critical themes: (1) Movement of classroom tools and furniture enable diversification of classroom setting and configurations to support student engagement; (2) Movement of people enable engagement; and (3) movement of furniture, tools, and people ease the transition between instructional activities. This work has implications for the way ALCs are designed and used in postsecondary settings.

Authors

• Saliha Ozkan Bekiroglu, The Pennsylvania State University

• Crystal M. Ramsay, The Pennsylvania State University

• Jenay Robert, The Pennsylvania State University