Learning Places: constructing sustainable learning environments

This paper will examine the integration of space, teaching approaches, facilities and resources to support student learning across the Faculty of Art, Design and the Built Environment. The ‘Learning Places’ project includes a number of activities that engages both staff and students in their design and implementation. These include; the design and fitting of a pilot classroom to test the SCALE-UP (Student Centred Active Learning Environment with Upside-down Pedagogies) approach to teaching large groups of students; student compilations of their learning experience through the use of ‘Photo-voice’, print and digital publications; networking events; project website and blog. All of the activities will investigate the role of the learner as an active agent in their learning experience and consider the role of the teacher as an expert facilitator of learning (Race, 2011). Our professional challenge is to build a sense of belonging and community among students. Space becomes place when endowed with value (Yi-Fu Tuan). The construction of learning places that foster high quality learning through inclusivity and equity of all learners is dependent upon our understanding of and responsiveness to how students use such places. Assessing the elements, structure and impact of those places (physical and/or digital) through discussion with both staff and students will inform the pedagogies for the future.