When students are engaging in active learning, they are constructing meaning and taking responsibility for their learning. Rather than being a passive recipient of information, the active learner puts knowledge to use. Words capturing an active approach to learning include action verbs such as analyze, evaluate, generate, apply, connect, and extend. These actions engage students to think at a higher level, taking learning beyond memorization and recall towards active thinking, doing, and engagement.
Because approaches to teaching, technology and space design can have a profound effect on student learning, the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ active learning classrooms have been intentionally designed, built and equipped to accommodate a different numbers of students in different configurations and with different technologies. By enabling a range of uses, we will have the opportunity to assess a variety of approaches to student engagement.
For those that wish to learn more about integrating active learning strategies into your teaching practice, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) offers research and resources on Active Learning and a guidebook with sample strategies that Focus on Active Learning: Active Learning Strategies (PDF, 599KB). If you have questions or would like to discuss your ideas for course design and use of the active learning classrooms space with an Educational Developer, please contact the CTL at ctl@queensu.ca.
What are the Active Learning Classrooms?
Flexible Learning Spaces
Flexible learning spaces are classrooms on campus that are equipped with moveable chairs with a tablet arm. These unique desks allow for different group configurations and infinite flexibility in classroom set-up. A ring of whiteboards around the room facilitates sharing of ideas within and between groups. Each classroom is equipped with one or more projectors and either a screen or whiteboard projection surface.
Low Tech Team-Based Classrooms
Low tech team-based active learning classrooms are set up with a series of round tables and chairs to facilitate group work and team activities. Other features include: whiteboards on all walls surfaces for collaboration, instructor podium with computer, document camera, and laptop connection, multiple projectors and displays around the classroom.
High Tech Team-Based Classrooms
High tech team-based active learning classrooms are uniquely designed spaces for students to work together in collaborative pods. The technology at each table allows students to either view an instructor's presentation or allows them to work independently by connecting their laptop to a monitor or touch screen TV, encouraging student-driven learning and collaboration.
Active Learning Classroom Inventory
Flexible Learning Spaces
| Building | Room Number | Room Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Kingston Hall | 304 | 25 |
| Kingston Hall | 308 | 25 |
| Mackintosh-Corry Hall | A309 | 30 |
| Mackintosh-Corry Hall | A311 | 30 |
| Theological Hall | 203 | 30 |
| Theological Hall | 209 | 30 |
| Ellis Hall | 218 | 25 |
| Ellis Hall | 319 | 48 |
Low-Tech Team-Based Classrooms
| Building | Room Number | Room Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Humphrey Hall | 131 | 30 |
| Humphrey Hall | 132 | 30 |
| Humphrey Hall | 223 | 30 |
| Kingston Hall | 301 | 84 |
| Kingston Hall | 313 | 49 |
| Botterell Hall | B129 | 54 |
| Biosciences Complex | 2109 | 56 |
| Theological Hall | 307 | 58 |
| Ellis Hall | 226 | 60 |
| Mackintosh-Corry Hall | D201 | 42 |
| Mackintosh-Corry Hall | D202 | 42 |
High-Tech Team-Based Classrooms
| Building | Room Number | Room Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Ellis Hall | 333 | 70 |
| Ellis Hall | 324 | 120 |
| Ellis Hall | 321 | 136 |
| Jeffery Hall | 155 | 152 |
| Jeffery Hall | 156 | 152 |