Learning is a social process. We construct our own knowledge by interacting with others. Today’s students desire an active learning environment and expect more from their classrooms than ever before. They want their surroundings to support co-learning, co-creation and open discussion. This interactive session will offer participants a unique opportunity to engage in understanding the research, insights and active learning ecosystem Steelcase Education Solutions has developed. Educators are often faced with a tough choice: promote active learning or organize a classroom to fit as many students as possible. The existing classroom footprint is only so big, and there is often not much flexibility. Developing an active learning strategy begins with consensus about the paradigm shift occurring in formal learning places. Understanding how multiple constituents can develop consensus relative to the impact of active learning on formal learning places is key to moving forward with engaged environments that support innovative thinking, skill development and application. At Steelcase Education Solutions, we have found that traditionally pedagogy, technology and space have been thought of independently. As a result they have been addressed individually without a realization of how each can and should fit together to address a more complete set of ‘tools’ for the instructor in a classroom setting. With our shared core focus being improved student success, we will address pedagogy, technology, and space, their importance and role in this evolving ecosystem. Participants will be able to take away a framework for envisioning a future focused on active learning in formal learning places with specific goals. The richness of this workshop comes from having multiple disciplines in the session.
