University of Wisconsin-River Falls
IN-4: Innovation 4

In 2013 construction began in Hagestad Hall room 23, to remodel approximately 6,000 square feet of space into an Active Learning Classroom. The space had been vacant since 2007 when it was last used as a convenience food/banquet facility.

The remodeling included demolition of food service counter spaces, raised floor seating areas and dance floor areas. Approximately 3,500 square feet of concrete floor slab area was removed and re-poured to create paths for data communications wiring below a new accessible floor that allows student tables to be interconnected with the teaching stations.

Other remodel work included new electrical wiring, new lights, modifications to the heating and ventilation systems and all new surface finishes.

The Active Learning Classroom consist of twelve tables with nine students at each table. Each table has a video display board. Information can be shared between tables or between tables and the two teaching stations.

Cost for remodeling of the 6,000 square feet space, including technology equipment was $900,000.

Positive Measurable Outcomes:
-Transformation of three introductory physics courses (Conceptual Physics, Algebra Based Physics I & II, and Calculus Based Physics I & II) to include research supported best practices of guided inquiry and studio format (lab lecture combined experiences).
-Transformation of medium to large sized faculty development workshops to include group discourse and group presentations
-Statistically significant student attitude shifts in their perceptions of the classroom environment affecting their learning, engagement, and metacognition (understanding and awareness of one’s learning) measured using an Active Learning Classroom Environment Survey developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota to study their ALCs.
-In this study, the instructor taught the same course over two different terms using the same team based guided inquiry practices in both a tiered lecture classroom and in the ALC.
-Students reports greater levels of engagement; enrichment; room flexibility; confidence in teamwork, analysis, and presentation skills; and student learning outcomes in the development of professional skills, higher order thinking skills, and content knowledge development and connections in the ALC compared to the tiered lecture hall environment.
-increased collegial relationships between campus planning, facilities, IT and faculty as a result of this project
-additional active learning centers and classrooms on campus based on lessons learned from the original ALC
-UC now has several active learning tables with monitors and computer connections in the Involvement center for student study and group discussion
-Wyman Hall has several active learning tables with monitors and computer connection in their computer lab for TED class breakout sessions and student study and discussion.
-South Hall as well as the new Falcon Center are building a new active learning classroom, using this as a model
-We are designing a new active learning lab for chemistry, construction scheduled for Summer 2016

Information provided by Dr. Jamie Schneider, Chemistry Faculty member and Mr. Tim Thum, Facilities Engineer