The Evaluation of Active Learning Classrooms: Impact of Spatial Factors on Students’ Learning Experience and Learning Engagement

Lei Peng, Yuan Deng and Shitao Jin
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Lei Peng: School of Architecture & Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Yuan Deng: School of Architecture & Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Shitao Jin: School of Architecture & Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-17

Abstract: Previous studies have investigated the spatial attributes of Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) and their impact on students’ learning experiences and learning engagement independently; however, a holistic investigation of the relationship between these attributes and students’ learning engagement has not been conducted. This study explored how the spatial attributes of ALCs affect students’ learning experiences and learning engagement. An empirical questionnaire was administered to freshmen taking English classes in four different types of ALCs at one university, and 224 valid questionnaires were analyzed. This study provides design insight for future learning environments in ALCs by linking two Likert scales: one rating spatial attributes in ALCs that influence learning experiences, and the other rating students’ learning engagement in ALCs. The results revealed that the spatial attributes of ALCs significantly affected the learning experience, specifically instructional interaction, furniture perception, learning support, and physical environment. Among them, instructional interactions and physical environment are the most critical in promoting student learning engagement. The survey findings can help architects design more flexible and sustainable learning environments in the future, supporting university students in developing active and collaborative learning skills, as well as providing better references and beneficial insights for future education for sustainable development.

Keywords: active learning classrooms; learning environments; spatial attribute; learning engagement; learning experience; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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