Considering Students’ Learning Differences: The Next Imperative When Designing & Using Active Learning Environments

Mindfully designed active learning spaces support learner-centered teaching and learning strategies that are far from the classic lectures many students are used to experiencing. Using evidence-based interactive and collaborative pedagogies often results in learning spaces that are chaotic, loud and intellectually messy. Knowing that students’ brains aren’t equally wired to optimize these types of learning environments, when designing and using these spaces, it is imperative that a wide array of students’ learning preferences be considered.

In this session participants will:

• Outline a framework for building cognitively inclusive learning environment
• Focus on the evidence supporting the emerging need to consider students’ learning differences
• Identify resources for end users to start designing experience on their own

Presentation by: 

• Jeffrey Ashley, Director of Teaching & Learning Center, Thomas Jefferson University
• Marie-Christine Potvin, Interim Director Occupational Therapy Program, Thomas Jefferson University
• Martha Añez, Associate Director Interior Design, Interior Architecture Programs, Thomas Jefferson University