ACTIVE LEARNING SPACE UTILIZATION
Considerable attention and thought has been given to the actual learning environment
during the development of the QEP. It is imperative that GSU’s learning space is conducive
for new techniques and strategies designed for optimal student learning. Currently
in Brown Hall, where University College is housed, the classrooms and furnishings
are dated, while sufficient; prohibit creative exploration. Therefore, to ensure effective
implementation of the QEP and its’ impact on student learning and success, the university
will renovate this space to provide active learning environments with appropriate
technology. Research indicates the active-learning classroom environment can significantly
impact student engagement and may improve retention and recruitment rates.
Active Learning Classrooms
Considerable attention and thought has been given to the actual learning environment
during the development of the QEP. It is imperative that GSU’s learning space is conducive
for new techniques and strategies designed for optimal student learning. Currently
in Brown Hall, where University College is housed, the classrooms and furnishings
are dated, while sufficient; prohibit creative exploration. Therefore, to ensure effective
implementation of the QEP and its’ impact on student learning and success, the university
will renovate this space to provide active learning environments with appropriate
technology. Research indicates the active-learning classroom environment can significantly
impact student engagement and may improve retention and recruitment rates.
Communication Facilitation Lab
Students should have the opportunity to perfect oral communication skills throughout
their college careers. According to Halpern and Hakel (2000), students must practice
these skills over a period of time at regular intervals. Students with repeated opportunities
to apply communication skills while obtaining accurate and timely feedback are more
likely to retain the skills learned. According to Maugh (2012) joining speaking &
writing, by using the similarities between the two served her institution’s need.
This concept provided a universalized tutoring approach related to communication,
overall. As GSU currently offers writing tutorial assistance via a separate concept,
current institutional need supports an oral communication-focused center. To provide
undergraduate students the opportunity to enhance oral communication skills throughout
their undergraduate studies a Communication Facilitation Lab has been identified for
implementation as a part of the QEP Plan. This laboratory will focus solely on oral
communication skills. A Communication Facilitation Laboratory (CFL) is a facility
that is typically coordinated by a director supported by student communication coaches.
The center provides assistance to students who are seeking to improve their communication
skills (McCracken 2006). Many of these types of centers also include training resources
for faculty (Turner and Sheckels 2015). GSU has identified a space to facilitate the
resources and support that will be necessary to impact student learning and success.
The CFL will be designed to offer a variety of services, specifically to enhance oral
communication skill building. According to Carpenter and Apostel (2012), Eastern Kentucky’s
Noel Studio is a perfect example of what a successful communication center should
look like. The center includes an “invention space” with white boards, an open space
for students to brainwave, discuss ideas, and lastly yet most importantly practice
rooms. This speaks directly to the primary purpose of GSU’s proposed facilitation
laboratory. The GSU laboratory space will provide academic support outside the classroom
and its’ tagline is “Speak On It!”. The CFL’s physical design will reflect the Active Learning Classroom model, featuring advanced oral communication technology designed for practice.
