Memorial University's Faculty of Education journey to create an innovative teaching & learning commons

1. Gerald Galway & Beth Maddigan
ggalway@mun.ca beth.maddigan@mun.ca
June 11, 2015
Building the Commons
A Continuous Development Plan

2. • To fundamentally re-think how teacher education
students learn and learn to teach
• To create a technology-rich student-faculty “collision
space” to support that change
The challenge

3. Our approach to integrating technology into teaching and
learning was getting a little tired
State of the Art?

4. Schools were becoming equipped with technologies and
learning spaces that far surpassed our own.
In education, keeping up with the Jones’
is important

5. “I thought there’d be much more emphasis on
technology in the program”
Exit interviews were positive, except…

6. But, most students left the building between classes…or
were sitting on benches near the elevators
Education is a collaborative enterprise

7. The Learning Commons Idea: Setting a standard for
collaborative, technology-rich teacher education
If you build it, they will come…

8. Consulted widely with faculty, students and staff: floor plan,
technology requirements, organization, staffing and hours
of operation
Out with the old, in with the new

9. Students, faculty, staff :
Faculty of Education, DELTS, Facilities Management
Collective Effort

10. Infrastructure grant + old space + learning community
input + creativity = TLC
Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose

11. Seizing opportunities for economies focused the
budget on latest technology, style and substance
Cutting corners…
and still going all out!

12. ….a cross between Starbucks and an Apple store
The Teaching and Learning
Commons

13. TLC Coordinator & Student Assistant
Success Strategy - Staff

14. Students act as liaisons between classmates and instructors
1 Coordinator & 7 Students

15. Staff demonstrate tools to individuals and groups

16. Just-in-time assistance and formal presentations

17. We keep abreast of current tools & technologies

18. Has been in constant use since opening in Spring 2014
Success Strategy - Flexible Space

19. Providing a home for numerous functions

20. Formal events, ceremonies, and more

21. Sometimes large crowds fill the whole room

22. Sometimes small groups fill the whole room

23. And sometimes everybody just needs to chill

24. Success Strategy – Needs & Wants

25. Sometimes stress relief is a pressing need

26. Scanner, colour printer & video equipment were needed too

27. Access to emerging classroom technology is needed

28. And somewhere safe to voice an opinion

29. We asked students to name the TLC’s best feature
Feedback & Assessment

30. Comments mentioned modernity & microwaves…

31. Technologies – especially the Smartboards…

32. Comfy seating, great layout, and a welcoming atmosphere.

33. Other comments focused on space for collaboration…

34. Somewhere to get to know classmates…

35. Places to relax and have a cup of coffee…

36. And convenient areas for group project work.

37. Beverages and food were high on the list of likes…

38. Skills practice space had multiple mentions…

39. Plus positive feedback for all the staff…

40. Every comment highlighted a useful aspect of the space.

41. The TLC is a temporary home for hardworking duos…

42. Singles working side-by-side…

43. And groups – large and small…

44. It is our little window on the world of Education.