The Active Learning Classroom (ALC) concept
Active Learning Classrooms are teaching and learning spaces designed to foster students’ active engagement in their own learning.
The ALCs at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ were developed under the supervision of theÌýTeaching and Learning Spaces Working Group (TLSWG). This working group used the (NSSE) benchmarks of effective educational practice to developÌýthe Principles for Designing Teaching and Learning Spaces. The choice of the NSSE benchmarks was influenced by the fact that ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ participates in the NSSE surveyÌý(summary results are available from Analysis, Planning and Budget). The design of the ALCs was also informed by other institutions’ practices, including the and the , and a review of relevant research.
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Principles addressed in ALC design
Four of the principles of effective educational practice are fostered within these classrooms:
- Student-faculty interaction
- Active and collaborative learning
- Enriching educational experiences
- Supportive campus environment
An ALC support team assists professors in taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded by the ALCs. ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ’s teaching, learning, and technology units collaborate to provide enhanced support to instructors and students in these classrooms.
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Goals of the ALC project
- Develop effective pedagogical and technological support models for instructors.
- Develop an integrated approach to instructor support involving all relevant pedagogical and technical support unitsÌý(working group).
- Generate knowledge about teaching and learning in ALCs based largely on instructor and student experiences.
- Identify best practices that may be applied to other teaching and learning contexts.