NEWS
Under the theme of Space for Learning, both a research and a development project are being carried out at Umeå University. Work is being done here on future learning environments – which have now been given top priority through the university’s new vision.
The interest in the importance of space for learning in higher education is on the increase. At Umeå University an interdisciplinary group comprising teachers and researchers has been working since 2005 on this issue within Space for Learning. The work is being led by Lisbeth Lundahl, Professor of Pedagogic Practices.
“As things stand, it can be said that many of our teaching premises are hard to change and adapt to different requirements. They lack an inspiring environment, and make learning and teaching harder rather than easier,” says Lisbeth Lundahl.
In December last year the university board decided to develop new creative environments at Umeå University. The initiative is based on the university’s vision of Umeå University being one of Europe’s leading universities in terms of innovative physical and virtual environments. Lisbeth Lundahl and Humlab’s director Patrik Svensson have had important roles in this work.
There is not that much previous research available on the physical learning environment at university level, either in Sweden or internationally.
“It’s important that Umeå University have premises that promote learning. The spaces for learning that students and teachers use must be flexible and functionally designed. There must be environments designed for both discussion and indiv idual improvement. It must be made easier for teachers to adapt space on the basis of a pedagogic structure instead of being forced to restrict the form of teaching on the basis of the space and use of new technology,” says Lisbeth Lundahl.
She also points out that today’s students often need to be involved, active and experimental in their learning — something currently hindered by the design of many lecture theatres.
Lisbeth Lundahl at the same time emphasises that it is important each environment be designed together with those who work and study in it, and that there is thus no wish to prescribe what the environments are to be like.
First comes the extensive conversion work in the Humanities Building and renovations in the Social Sciences Building. The work in the Humanities Building has been preceded by interviews with groups of teachers, students, local planners, cleaners and building technicians. In mid-February an open workshop was held, involving around thirty people. It resulted in many positive and creative proposals on the design of the Humanities Building’s classrooms, group rooms and open areas.
In the long term changes will be made on the basis of the current renovation plan for the university.
“We are encountering great interest in the work of designing the new environments, and it’s very enjoyable!” says Lisbeth Lundahl.
