"The room itself is active": How classroom design impacts student engagement

Abstract

A responsive case study evaluation approach utilizing interviews and focus groups collected student and faculty perspectives on examined how instructors and students utilized a newly redesigned active learning space at Iowa State University and the impact of this design on student engagement aspects of the classroom that influenced engagement.  The findings demonstrate how classroom design influences engagement through low-cost learning tools and a flexible, open, student-centered space that allowed for a variety of active learning strategies. In addition, this case study highlights the importance of conducting assessment on classroom redesign initiatives to justify and improve future classroom spaces.