Learning spaces and environments

“Learning has changed from didactic to explorative. Today, we ask students to take more responsibility for their learning, thus we invite them to stay on campus and work in less structured spaces,” Professor Kvan says.

Many other spaces around the University exemplify this approach to learning and challenging the ‘chalk and talk’ educational models of yesteryear.

Overall, there has been a shift in higher education which has seen a general move away from large lecture halls, which in many ways constrict or constrain learning, and often reinforce an educational model based on lecturing.

Professor Gregor Kennedy, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Educational Innovation) sees developing vibrant and informal spaces on campus as a significant way of enhancing the daily educational experience of students.

“With our learning space design we’ve moved away from this ‘lecture theatre’ model, creating spaces with more flexibility, and opportunities for different types of exchanges and teaching and learning approaches,” Professor Kennedy explains.