Linking the Design of Informal Learning Spaces to Student Use and Satisfaction

Introduction

This interdisciplinary project examines the interaction between physical learning spaces and the university students that use those spaces. The project focus is on informal learning spaces across various learning settings.

Our definition of informal learning spaces draws on the distinction in the learning sciences literature between formal and informal learning. We define informal learning spaces as spaces where students typically combine learning with other activities, such as eating, drinking and socialising. This is in contrast to formal learning spaces which are primarily designed for learning, such as classrooms, seminar rooms etc. Although the need for high quality informal learning spaces is acknowledged, there is little knowledge about the characteristics of such spaces. We address the gap in knowledge by examining how the design of informal learning spaces affects the student’s learning experience.

We focus on how students use and experience informal learning spaces. This is done through empirical research (student surveys, behavioural observations, behavioural experiments), and through drawing. We also examine the effect of the design of the space on student behaviour empirically in a 1:1 setting.