A committee of faculty and staff is working to develop and improve learning commons areas on campus.
Learning commons are public campus study spaces for students to use individually or in groups.
The Dulaney-Browne Library underwent renovations last year. The Learning Enhancement Center moved to the first floor of the library. The committee plans to continue the development of these spaces and improve study spaces in other locations.
The Learning Commons Committee consists of 16 faculty and staff members. It meets once or twice a month to discuss findings. Between meetings members research learning commons, observe student habits in study areas on campus, as well as at other Oklahoma schools and gather advice from learning commons experts such as Victoria Swinney, director of the Dulaney-Browne Library; Jenny Minsberg, disabilities service coordinator, and Paul Gebb, director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
“The ultimate goal is to create an active learning environment,” Gebb said. “The committee plans to put ideas together, with help from the library, retention committee and information technology committee, to present as a recommendation to the president’s cabinet.”
The committee visits the library, as well as other study spaces like Alvin’s Cafe and the Shdeed Lounge in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center, and Dawson-Loeffler Science and Mathematics Center, to observe the types of seating students use, as well as their tendencies to study in groups and to use technology.
One student suggested adding speakers to study spaces.
“I always study alone while listening to music,” said Wesley Yang, psychology and youth ministry senior. “I would love it if there were speakers in study spaces so that I could play my chillstep.”
The committee hopes to accommodate all types of study habits.
“The ultimate goal is to achieve better studying by providing enough spaces with the right kinds of equipment and seating areas for students,” said Dr. Liz Willner, chairwoman of the education department. “Do we need food? Movable whiteboards? We don’t want to go high-tech just to go high-tech. We want the additions to be useful.”
Past learning commons research led to development at the library and with the LEC. The library study rooms are separated into individual and group study areas, as well as a silent and noise-tolerant floors. The LEC moved to the library and created a new structure that aids the peer educators.
“Faculty members work with the peer educators to develop what we call ‘best practices,’ the best method of teaching each subject,” Willner said. “We find out what materials they need and have provided resources like online programs to help tutors teach students to learn, not just finish their assignment.”
Willner works with math, science and music theory tutors, while Dr. Brooke Hessler, professor of English, works with writing tutors. The LEC provides tutors for any subject, but students mainly come to the LEC for writing and math, Willner said.
LEC peer educators also have begun visiting classes where they introduce themselves to students and offer assistance. Faculty want the LEC to be a resource for all students, not just those having challenges, Willner said.
The learning commons committee contacted Student Government Association and used their input to create a survey they plan to email this month to students, faculty and staff. It will ask questions about ways to improve study spaces.
The committee members expect renovations and additions to happen gradually, during the course of two or three years, Willner said.
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