Re-Designing the Learning Space by Karim Claus Trudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5 en-us 2018-12-03 07:11:32 UTC 2023-03-14 10:35:38 UTC hello@padlet.com OBSERVATIONS karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310291363 PVA: -students hang out next to their building
-many of them use classes there in order to play with instruments
- might be the most students who know each other ( maybe bc minority)

Gardens: 
- many people like spending time there
-open air place which is different than classes
- students have to sit on the ground
-sometimes wet grass

Library:
-overcrowded, especially in assembly hours
- tables with computers are almost always full, so you have to wait for someone to finish
- study rooms are always reserved even days before 
- study room is only place that helps groups of people to study together 

Majors:
people within majors do not now each other, so its not that you know all Business students or your batch, however you might only now some classmates or your friends who are within your majors

Classes:
if you want to study in a class room during class times,  not assembly, it takes a student so much time to find an empty class room and you might even not find one

Teacher and Teacher Assistant:
- restricted office hours, once and maximum twice a week and certain hours]]> 2018-12-03 07:15:56 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310291363 karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310291609 Study Rooms Schedule

]]> 2018-12-03 07:17:20 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310291609 RESEARCH karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310291657 What are Learning Spaces?
  •  A physical or virtual space that can be used for teaching and for learning.
  •  Learning spaces can vary based on their usage and can be fitted in any way to benefit the users' needs and preferences.
  • A effective and beneficial learning is space is created, by making an environment that forces the mind to become more creative and think about the necessary things to form good and valuable ideas.
The Definitions of Formal and Informal Learning Spaces 
  •  Formal learning occurs in a structured and organized environment like training/education institution or on the job. It is explicitly designed as education in terms of time, objectives and resources. It is an intentional learning from the learner’s perspective, leading to degrees and certifications. Formal learning is a structured model that presents a rigid curriculum, corresponding to laws and norms. It is rather representational education.
  •  Informal learning is the education that is beyond limitations and goes on outside of a traditional formal learning environment like university, school or college. It is an education that is seen as a learning which goes on in our daily life or learning projects undertaken by us to teach ourselves.
  • if you have to make a choice between the informal and formal learning, it is valuable to make a distinction between what is learned intentionally and what is learned by accident.
Advantages of Formal Learning Spaces 
  • Formal learning spaces create a specialized environment for learning, which can initially put students in the proper mindset to learn new information.
  • Formal learning spaces uphold and encourage professional relationships between students and faculty members.
  • Formal learning spaces encourage the use of technology, which can encourage learning.
Limitations of Formal Learning Spaces 
  • The rigidness of formal learning spaces can cause students to feel discomfort, thus hindering creativity and learning.
  • Uniformity of formal learning spaces can cause students to feel bored or uninterested in subjects they would otherwise be interested in, which hinders learning.
  • Uniformity of formal learning spaces discourages individuality in students and can cause them to feel insignificant within their classmates.
  • Formal learning spaces make it easy to neglect the fact that not all students learn the same way at the same pace.
  • Formal learning spaces often (but not always) discourage cooperation and positive communication between students and faculty, which can hinder learning and creative confidence.
Advantages of Informal Learning Spaces 
  •  creates an inspirational thought process that benefits creativity
  • If nature is included in the learning space, this influences the mind and increases creative thinking.
  • more relaxing and less intimidating for most people.
  • learning is more focused, as it is fully driven by a learner.
  •  learning is more fulfilling- As adults learners, who have specific preferences of how they'd like to learn, Informal learning space keeps people in full control of what they learn and explore.
  • it is more fun and happens at our pace, based on our interest.
Limitations of Informal Learning Spaces 
  •  The main limitation of informal learning spaces is that the change in environment can cause students to not be in the mindset for learning, which can thus hinder their learning capabilities unless the space provided is designated in a way for learning.
  • Informal learning spaces may also not always be equipped with the proper technology tools such as computers, smart boards, projectors etc. that promote learning and creativity.
  • Informal learning spaces can cause distractions for students unless the space is specifically equipped to eliminate distractions.
Examples of Informal Learning Spaces and short conclusion
  •   Informal learning space provides things that tend to the student's needs, these aspects are not provided in the formal learning spaces. Using formal learning spaces alongside with formal learning spaces can give students a full healthy learning experience that also satisfies student's needs
  •  An example of an informal learning space or an informal teaching method is when student's have a class/lecture in the Gardens at the AUC. Usually, students have classes either at classrooms, labs or lecture halls. So  having a class in the Gardens is considered as an informal learning space, which is different that the usual.  Besides this being a different location than the usual, having a class in the Gardens satisfies many students needs. This is explained by the fact that many students might prefer natural views and outdoor spaces, that replicate an outside environment and with fresh air and natural light.
]]> 2018-12-03 07:17:31 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310291657 karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310291956 2. Informal Learning Space Study]]> 2018-12-03 07:19:22 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310291956 karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310292217 4. Good Practice Learning Techniques]]> 2018-12-03 07:20:42 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310292217 karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310292232 3. Informal Learning Space]]> 2018-12-03 07:20:47 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310292232 karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310292583 5. Effect of Environment on Learning]]> 2018-12-03 07:22:44 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310292583 Empathy Questions: karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310292809 (Student)
1. Where do you usually study around campus? 
2. What's your intended major?
3. Limitations found in these study areas
4. Do you think it can be improved? And if yes how
5. What's your second option of a study area
6.  Do you know people other than your friends/ classmates in your major
7. Who do you go to when you need help in assignments/ studying
8. Do you often go to your teacher/ TA
9. What would be an appealing place for you to study ( even if you dont study there due to any reasons)]]> 2018-12-03 07:24:02 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310292809 Malak's Empathy karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310293329 1. Where do you usually study around campus? 
My priority is studying in the library but i can only study there in study rooms as it is a closed room without any distraction around, and its very good especially if we are a group of students , as it is required to be quite at library and its difficult to stay quite if we study in a group

2. What's your intended major?
Business

3. Limitations found in these study areas?
Study rooms are always reserved so I always have to go through ALL study rooms at the library hoping to find an empty one which people reserved but didnt use
Study rooms are sometimes reserved days before


4. Do you think it can be improved? And if yes how
It's actually impossible to add study rooms ( i guess)
But maybe they could provide other study areas that have the same criteria as study rooms

5. What's your second option of a study area and what's it limitation? Why isnt it your first option?
Gardens , however there are only a few limited chairs in l'aroma which are mostly taken, therefore i sit on the ground 
Limitations: there's nothing concrete to put my stuff on
No chairs


6.  Do you know people other than your friends/ classmates in your major
- mainly my friends or people with me in class and only a few as In courses such as statistics or accounting there are no projects done so there's not really a chance to get to know different people

7. Who do you go to when you need help in assignments/ studying
I often go to the TA before the exam to explain to me 

Why not friends classmates?
They often dont understand too

8. Do you often go to your teacher/ TA
Yes , mainly before the exam as they have restricted office hours and sometimes im too lazy to go there

9. What would be an appealing place for you to study ( even if you dont study there due to any reasons)

Any open air place as to me its important to vary between classes , I mean like in class its always the same so aat least when I study on my own or with friends I would highly prefer to be in a different place]]> 2018-12-03 07:27:03 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310293329 Farida's Empathy karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310293403
  • He is an undeclared student intending to major in architecture, and he explained that his favorite place to study in rather than the labs was the sitting area next to catering. He chose that area since in a sense it has a view of a landscape and architectural buildings. He explains that his main issue with this area was the cats since they come and get on top of the table, and also the chairs are very uncomfortable when using them. He suggested that the cats should be removed and that maybe there should be a bit more comfortable chairs. His did not have a second option since he felt like the library wasn't equipped for architectural use, and the fact that the labs are a lot of the time being used. He explained that he likes to work alone in a quiet place, and he can't seem to find a place that suits him. He said that a lot of his friends are from his major since they have to spend a lot of days and nights working on projects which in a sense gets them closer together. He usually asks people he knows in his major for help, but he said that he doesn't even know anything about the TA’s. her is always in direct contact with the doctor. He explained that a suitable place to actually work in was like a roof above a building since you have a clear view of the landscape ahead, and you get to have an example of an eagle view of the area ahead.
  • She is a declared senior in IMC, and she says that she usually studies in the 3rd floor of the library. She says that she has this privilege since she was an assistant for the librarian a semester back. She explained that over her four years in the university it was very hard to find a proper place to sit and study, and that there were always limitations. For example, the gardens are too wet and have no chair, the library is too crowded and very noisy, and the cubes next to the library make her very stiff. She said that it is very hard to improve such stuff, but she suggested that the gardens have tables and chairs for students to study on, also the library should be respected enough to not make noise in it. As for her friends, she said that she was able to meet many people from her major through friends or through a group project done between them, but the majority of her friends are introduced to her through other friends. She usually visits the TA alot for help, and she uses up all the time they offer. Yet, she explains that the restricted time causes issues for her since most of the time when she needs the TA she can't find her.

    • ]]>     2018-12-03 07:27:22 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310293403     Abdelrahman's Empathy karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310293436  
    INTERVIEW 1

    (Ahmed Graphic Design)
    1. Where do you usually study around campus? 

    I usually have to do designs and work mainly on a laptop, or a computer, so any place that has a computer that supports my programs would be perfect, most probably I end up using the labs, or my laptop. I don’t really study, I may have a paper to write, and usually I do it at home.

    2. What's your intended major?

    Graphic Design 

    3. Limitations found in these study areas

    When I go to the labs, the atmosphere is very exhaustive because either the computers number doesn't fit our number, or that there is an upcoming submission that everyone is worried about. I think labs lack a good atmosphere. Also, I go to the library sometimes, it’s good but very boring and dull.

    4. Do you think it can be improved? And if yes how

    Of course, I there is so much to do with the interior and how things are placed, a less dull and gloomy one.

    5. What's your second option of a study area

    I’m really into graphic design, so there is no other option for me

    6.  Do you know people other than your friends/ classmates in your major

    I don’t know a lot out of my major, but I really don't mind, the thing is that I don't have the chance to meet other people from other majors because my major is demanding.

    7. Who do you go to when you need help in assignments/ studying

    seek help from a colleague/ TA/ Dr

    8. Do you often go to your teacher/ TA

    I go to the TA a lot

    9. What would be an appealing place for you to study ( even if you don't study there due to any reasons)

    I really like the 2nd floor library tables overlooking the gardens, I think it’s a bright space, but got ruined with placing the silent area there.

    --------------------------------------------------------
    --------------------------------------------------------

    (Mariam Literature)

    1. Where do you usually study around campus? 

    Most of my studies are focused on reading and writing, so I need that could have talks and maybe some music, but not noisy. So I choose to go to the first floor library when I need to write something, it is not very noisy because it is a library and 1st floor is a quit one, also I like the garden view. When  only need to read definitely I go anywhere in the gardens.

    2. What's your intended major?

    Literature

    3. Limitations found in these study areas

    Library isn’t the best since I feel that I’m framed I cant talk much, I cant play music also I don't always find places. For the gardens, there are no proper electricity sockets, and no umbrellas for example, and no chairs!

    4. Do you think it can be improved? And if yes how

    Library should have more diversity in spaces ( talking/ silent)n and I see that gardens could be improved so much in that it may afford people to sit in a proper seating.


    5. What's your second option of a study area

    (Answered in q3)


    6.  Do you know people other than your friends/ classmates in your major

    I know yes from clubs, I’m open to know more people.

    7. Who do you go to when you need help in assignments/ studying

    My classmates then TAs.

    8. Do you often go to your teacher/ TA

    Always

    9. What would be an appealing place for you to study ( even if you don't study there due to any reasons)

    I think library can be divided into half rather than floors whereby I can get up to see the view and not be framed to be quiet, also if there were more proper seatings in the gardens I would also go there. (Mariam Literature)

    1. Where do you usually study around campus? 

    Most of my studies are focused on reading and writing, so I need that could have talks and maybe some music, but not noisy. So I choose to go to the first floor library when I need to write something, it is not very noisy because it is a library and 1st floor is a quit one, also I like the garden view. When  only need to read definitely I go anywhere in the gardens.

    2. What's your intended major?

    Literature

    3. Limitations found in these study areas

    Library isn’t the best since I feel that I’m framed I cant talk much, I cant play music also I don't always find places. For the gardens, there are no proper electricity sockets, and no umbrellas for example, and no chairs!

    4. Do you think it can be improved? And if yes how

    Library should have more diversity in spaces ( talking/ silent)n and I see that gardens could be improved so much in that it may afford people to sit in a proper seating.


    5. What's your second option of a study area

    (Answered in q3)


    6.  Do you know people other than your friends/ classmates in your major

    I know yes from clubs, I’m open to know more people.

    7. Who do you go to when you need help in assignments/ studying

    My classmates then TAs.

    8. Do you often go to your teacher/ TA

    Always

    9. What would be an appealing place for you to study ( even if you don't study there due to any reasons)

    I think library can be divided into half rather than floors whereby I can get up to see the view and not be framed to be quiet, also if there were more proper seatings in the gardens I would also go there.
    ]]>     2018-12-03 07:27:35 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310293436     Karim's Empathy karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310293478 Interview 1:
    1.       I like to study in the library on the plaza level since all my friends are usually there.
    2.       Medicine/Biology
    3.       The library gets really crowded and noisy and I find that the space could be used more effectively such as the roofs and gardens.
    4.       I think we have a lot of space on campus to create new study environments and to make it more beneficial to the students. 
    5.       My second option would be the main plaza, but it is my second option because it is filled with people during assemble hour and we would run out of space.
    6.       I have friends that are in the same major that I am in but not many. I know a few classmates that are in my major because of the classes I take.
    7.       I sometimes ask my friends that know a bit about the topics, or rarely I go ask the teacher.
    8.       I do not go to my TA’s or my professors that often. 
    9.       I would like to study in the gardens or the roofs because the areas are nice and secluded, and I love nature.

    ]]>     2018-12-03 07:27:50 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310293478     Leila's Empathy karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310293526 Interview 1: Zeina Sarhan, architecture major
    Leila: Where do you like to study?
    Zeina: I usually try to study in the library, but usually it gets really noisy if I'm not in a study room, and study rooms are really difficult and inconvenient to book.
    Leila: Really? I've never booked a study room before.
    Zeina: Yes, you're only allowed to book them for 30-minute intervals so sometimes people literally show up and kick you out in the middle of studying. Then, you either have to find another free study room, which is so difficult, or change the place where you're studying so it's really distracting.
    Leila: When this happens to you, where do you usually go to study?
    Zeina: At this point, I'm usually sick of the library and I go study in the gardens. It's actually really nice there.
    Leila: Then why don't you just go to the gardens from the beginning? Why waste your time with the whole study room thing?
    Zeina: Well, the gardens aren't really built or equipped for long periods of studying. My back hurts sometimes from sitting on the ground writing for so long. Sometimes, I sit in Laroma to study, but the chairs and tables there aren't the most comfortable for studying either. Also, sometimes I need to charge my phone or my laptop and I can't do that in the gardens.
    Leila: how do you think that can be improved?
    Zeina: I've been saying this since my first day--AUC really needs to either fix the library issue or make an outdoors area specifically for studying. We've got all these beautiful spaces and its such a shame that studying outside isn't always convenient when the problem could easily be fixed with a few low-maintenance solutions.
    Leila: So, do you know many people in your major?
    Zeina: I mean, I know a lot of people in engineering in general, but that's mainly because they were with me in school. The only people I know in architectural engineering, I know through mutual friends.
    Leila: Why, though? Do you not talk to people during classes?
    Zeina: It's not that I don't deliberately talk to people, it's just that it's my first year and most of my courses are either CORE courses or intro engineering courses. My school friends are with me in the intro courses so I didn't really get the chance to talk to other people.
    Leila: So, who do you turn to when you need help in your courses?
    Zeina: mainly my school friends, but if we all don't understand, then we have an issue.
    Leila: Why is that? You have TAs right?
    Zeina: I mean yes, we have TAs, but they're not always available or easy to set up appointments with.

    Interview 2: Yasseen El Orabi, business major
    Leila: Where do you like to study around campus?
    Yasseen: I don't really study at uni a lot of the time, I prefer studying at home. 
    Leila: But sometimes, you do study at uni right?
    Yasseen, Yeah, when I do decide to study at uni, I try to study in the library study rooms as much as I can, but the whole booking process gets really frustrating. 
    Leila: What do you do if you can't secure a study room?
    Yasseen: I either give up on studying and watch Netflix, or if I'm feeling really motivated, I'll find an empty classroom to study in. If the weather's nice and I don't need to do much writing, just, like if I'm just doing readings or whatever, I like to sit in the gardens or in the plaza.
    Leila: How come you only like to study outside when there's no writing involved?
    Yasseen: I prefer to be sitting on a proper desk while writing because it gets a bit uncomfortable. We don't really have proper desks or tables even here at gardens or in the plaza.
    Leila: Do you know many people within your major?
    Yasseen: Well, "know" is relative am I right? I guess I "know" a lot of people like from class and stuff, but I wouldn't really call them my friends.
    Leila: Would you be able to turn to them if you needed help on an assignment or help studying?
    Yassen: I mean, I guess I could, but I wouldn't really trust that they know what I don't, you get what I mean?
    Leila: No not really, but tell me.
    Yasseen: Maybe its just that the people that I know from my classes don't really seem like they care the most about their studies. So, if there's something I don't understand, I prefer to ask for someone more qualified's help--like a TA or the professor himself
    Leila: So do you find your TAs and your professors easily accessible?
    Yasseen: Not for all my classes. Some of my TAs are really hands-on and helpful and encourage us to text them asking questions and stuff. Some I've never even seen since the beginning of the semester. The ones that I have interacted with though, have a lot of knowledge to offer and I really like that.
    Leila: Would you be interested to know more people within your major though?
    Yasseen: Yes! Definitely, I have a long three years ahead of me, it would be nice to have an ally or two going through the same thing I am. For moral support.

    ]]>     2018-12-03 07:28:10 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310293526     karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310295213 6. Creating a Study Space]]> 2018-12-03 07:38:16 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310295213 karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310295491 7. Teaching Out of Classroom]]> 2018-12-03 07:40:10 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310295491 UNPACKING faridatarek2000 https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310817740 2018-12-04 10:53:28 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310817740 faridatarek2000 https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310818138 2018-12-04 10:54:26 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310818138 faridatarek2000 https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310818332 2018-12-04 10:55:01 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310818332 faridatarek2000 https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310818549 2018-12-04 10:55:39 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310818549 leilaelsahhar https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310934707 1. Learning Environment]]> 2018-12-04 15:17:11 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/310934707 faridatarek2000 https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/311284799 8. Difference between formal and informal learning]]> 2018-12-05 10:25:07 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/311284799 Problem Statement karimtrudel https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/311694986 AUC students have a few prominent issues with their learning environment on campus. The common areas of the AUC library, the main study space at AUC, are usually extremely crowded, and the private study rooms available for booking are difficult to book and inflexible. This hinders students' creativity and demotivates them from studying. Another issue that AUC students face is that most of them do not know many people from their majors, through their majors, which in turn, discourages cooperation and peer assistance. If AUC students had school-specific alternative learning spaces where they could study beyond the limitations of the library, their learning environment would be drastically improved, thus, having a positive effect on their performance levels.

    ]]>     2018-12-06 07:29:25 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/311694986     Library faridatarek2000 https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/312787007 2018-12-10 06:43:07 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/312787007 PVA faridatarek2000 https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/312787232 2018-12-10 06:44:54 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/312787232 PVA faridatarek2000 https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/312787489 2018-12-10 06:46:49 UTC https://padlet.com/karimtrudel/4k8uiz9zyvj5/wish/312787489