Classroom Layouts for Technology-based Active Learning Spaces

Abstract

The article starts by collecting arguments that explain the success of active learning in higher education nowadays, and then, the concept is defined and characterized. Next, traditional lecturing classrooms are portrayed, and a tentative justification is suggested for their resiliency, measured by their longevity and dissemination. Then, actual active learning spaces designs are surveyed: the seminal SCALE-UP, TEAL, PAIR-up, and TILE. These layouts generally encompass round tables with nine seats, moving tables and chairs, 360º wall-covered whiteboards, and an equal assortment of projectors/monitors so every student sees the information. Other exemplary cases are addressed, for instance, McGill University’s principles for designing rooms for active learning. Finally, although it is not an active learning space, a recent ground-breaking proposal, already implemented at Washington State University, is addressed: “teaching in the round” by David Harlan. The article ends by summing up the main findings of this survey.