A hybrid of a library and a student union, a learning
commons is a collaborative, interactive space in which students can gather to
study in groups
In this era of scaled-down budgets, maximized efficiencies,
new learning methods and social media’s domination of face time, college and
university campuses are gravitating toward a new space type: the learning
commons.
A hybrid of a library and a student union, a learning
commons is a collaborative, interactive space in which students can gather to
study in groups. Rather than perpetuating a separate cloistered-in-a-carrel
approach to studying, the learning commons encourages groups of students to
gather, usually around monitors or conversationally arranged furniture, for
face time and collaboration.
This is especially true for the smaller liberal arts
institutions striving to keep the education process as personalized as
possible. In addition to contributing to improved learning, these spaces
address a broader cultural issue: students are socially connected in physical
isolation. A learning commons can entice students out of their dorm rooms and
into an environment in which relationships can be formed.
Two converging trends are basically responsible for the
establishment of the new type of study space.
First is the desire of the higher education institutions to
attract students. The commons should be inviting, comfortable and have
digitally connected spaces with convenient availability of food. It should be
seen as a fun way to study in aesthetically pleasing surroundings.
Northwest Nazarene University’s Learning Commons will
include student support with academic advisors, testing services, tutors and
socialization areas with a café and a variety of collaborative work spaces.
With a goal of student retention and graduation, the second
trend is toward providing students with academic, emotional, development and
vocational support in the Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service. These
efforts are sustained through Trevecca’s version of a learning commons (student
success center) that houses tutoring and writing assistance, disability
services, developmental math, testing services, counseling services and
developmental resources, such as the freshman, sophomore and junior/senior year
experiences. There is a strong emphasis on vocation, mentorship and
self-discipline through these endeavors.
Supporting the retention goal is an ongoing emphasis on team
projects and other assignments that use increased collaboration. Collaboration
is, of course, an accepted way of learning and working in the education
profession.
ESa advocates that a successful learning commons have ten
characteristics:
• Flexible area with movable, soft furniture that can
interface with technology so that students can create their own spaces
• Open area that is inviting to students
• Available food, preferably café style with coffees,
juices, sodas, light snacks or sandwiches
• Late hours
• Available marker boards for brainstorming
• Help desk
• Private, acoustically separate spaces for tutoring and
counseling
• Outdoor space with patios or verandas
• Available seminar rooms/study rooms
• Ample, available power for recharging mobile devices
Establishing a learning commons on a campus can be done
through new construction, renovation of an area or designating a portion of an
existing space. Cumberland University’s Learning Commons was created with a
limited budget through renovation of a former residence hall. The Commons
consists of large indoor and outdoor study areas, double-height study lounge,
snack bar, 10 seminar/study rooms, six offices and a mock interview
suite—including an observation room with filming capabilities. The latter space
is invaluable as counselors work with students preparing them for the
workforce.
On the other hand, Northwest Nazarene University’s Learning
Commons is part of the Riley Library. This facility is scheduled for completion
the third quarter of 2014. NNU’s program will include student support with
academic advisors, testing services, tutors and socialization areas with a café
and a variety of collaborative work spaces.
Support for faculty will be available in the form of
multimedia studios for developing course content, as well as resources made
available through the Center of Innovation for Teaching and Learning. Library
services will include a centralized information desk and a lending desk for
library and tech support materials. An IT (hardware and software) support desk
will also serve the library and learning commons.
During this digital age, learning commons are an avenue for
colleges and universities to get back to basics. No student can be an island
for a full higher education experience, and the learning commons enhances
education by providing space for collaborative means as well as individual
discovery to achieve a more complete experience.
Source: BDCNetwork.com
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