Redefining the Classroom: Studio Learning Environments

My first introduction to studio learning environments (Dori, et al., 2004; Gaffney, et al., 2008; Laws, 1997) came from Dr. Robert Beichner at North Carolina State University. He showed a series of pictures depicting learning environments throughout the years. The first stop on the journey throughout the ages was a theater in ancient Greece. He then jumped to Medieval Europe, and finished in a modern-day lecture hall.

What did each of these images have in common? They had a central lecture area surrounded by rows and rows of seating. After thousands of years, learning environments have not changed much! Can we do better? Research suggests YES! (Beichner, et al., 2007; Dori, et al., 2004). The time has come for Studio Learning Environments. To see a studio environment in action, take a look at a video from the University of Minnesota.

I invite you to join programs across the world that have adopted studio learning environments. Your journey can start here!

Redefining the Classroom:

Studio Learning Environments

Assembled by

Dr. Evan Richards

Beichner, R. J., Saul, J. M., Abbott, D. S., Morse, J. J., Deardorff, D. L., Allain, R. J., Bonham, S. W., Dancy, M. H., Risley, J. S. (2007).“The Student-Centered Activities for Large Enrollment Undergraduate Programs (SCALE-UP) project”, in Research-Based Reform of Introductory Physics, Redish, E., ed. Available by searching PER Central at http://www.compadre.org/per.

Dori, Y. and Belcher, J. (2004). “How does technology-enabled active learning affect undergraduate students' understanding of electromagnetism concepts?”, J. Learn. Sci. 14, 243-279.

Gaffney, J.D.H, Richards, E., Kustusch, M.B., Ding, L., and Beichner, R. (2008). “Scaling Up Educational Reform”, Journal of College Science Teaching. 37(5), p.48-53.

Laws, P.W. (1997). “Millikan Lecture 1996: Promoting active learning based on physics education research in introductory physics courses”, American Journal of Physics. 65(1), 14-21.