From our recent redesign I would also say to try to have a variety of types of spaces available within your "fishbowl". Quieter corners or study rooms are very popular. Larger study rooms that accommodate groups also helps with some noise concerns.
Best of luck!
Vera Mayes
Learning Commons Coordinator, Math and Science
Tallahassee Community College
-----Original Message-----
From: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jennifer Lindquist
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 1:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: desperately search for WG White article
This is why I love this listserv! I greatly appreciate all of the
perspectives shared and the resources listed. I am still anxious about
the "fishbowl," but that feeling has lessened from reading the positives
of such a physical set up.
Again, thanks for sharing!
Jen
-----Original Message-----
From: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Masuda, Howard
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 12:14 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: desperately search for WG White article
Thanks M.E. for the reference. Here is the link I found
http://www.educause.edu/LearningSpaces
Howard
Dr. Howard Masuda
Director, University Tutorial Center
California State University, Los Angeles
Library Palmer Wing 1062A
(323) 343-3972
-----Original Message-----
From: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of M.E. McWilliams
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 8:56 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: desperately search for WG White article
Here is another excellent resource for designing learning spaces of all
kinds:
Learning spaces. Educause. March/April 2009
The entire periodical is devoted to the latest research in learning
space attributes that best engage millennial students. Much is said
about big, open, comfortable spaces Like Kathryn, we are an aquarium.
We are almost completely glassed in on the first floor of the library to
the immediate right as one enters the building. We love it! If I had
brick walls, I would bust them down. Having all this glass allows
students to see just what goes on here. They see all the frenetic
activity--the smiling faces, the laid-back atmosphere. They can see
that we are approachable, and that all sorts of students are engaged in
learning. It's been the best advertising of all.
Woo HOo!
M.E. McWilliams
AARC Director
Stephen F. Austin State University
http://libweb.sfasu.edu/proser/aarc/index.html
-----Original Message-----
From: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kathryn Van Wagoner
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 9:45 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: desperately search for WG White article
Jen,
I'm a bit unsure how or if to respond, but I suppose my perspective
will... be another perspective. When we built our new learning center
we insisted on having a lot of windows, a big open door, and a high
traffic area. We wanted to show access to students. Another thing we
did was a major marketing campaign where we promoted the idea (similar
to the NADE motto) that tutoring is for all students at all levels. We
worked very hard to remove the stigma associated with tutoring. Our
tutoring center is THE place to be. As for the fish bowl concern, our
lab is pretty big, so it is more like an aquarium, I guess. I
understand the concern about students having the courage to step in.
Our faculty help break down that barrier by promoting our services. I'm
sure there are a few who don't come due to fear, but we are NOT lacking
for student use.
I think the openness of our lab is more inviting than if we were
"behind closed doors." I can't speak to Dr. White's or others'
research. However, when we were in the process of designing the lab, I
attended an NCLCA institute on designing learning centers. Dr. White
was there and I consulted with him thoroughly. I don't recall his ever
being concerned about our open-ness.
Your biggest problem might end up being able to handle the increased
use of your space due to better visibility.
Good luck.
Kathryn Van Wagoner
Utah Valley University
Math Lab Manager
801-863-8411
[log in to unmask]
>>> "Jennifer Lindquist" <[log in to unmask]> 10/14/2009 8:31 AM
>>>
Dear colleagues,
I am trying to locate an article written by Dr. White, "The Physical
Environment of Learning Support Centers" (2004). Our institutional
library hasn't had any luck, and I'm running out of time! Help! Our
learning center is being relocated on campus, and while the space is
much smaller than what we have now, my main concern is the open windows.
Our new space will be located in the busiest building on campus with 3
big windows and a glass door that allows students, faculty, and staff to
peer in at will. In fact, we will be located right near the front door
so anyone coming into the building will have to walk past our door. Our
building houses the food service area, so it is a very popular area on
campus. I have been told our university president wants to keep the
windows open to show "students in action" (whatever that means). Our
president is a very capable leader who has made significant and positive
changes since he arrived here 3 years ago, but I shudder to think about
the!
non-traditional student taking a developmental course who finally
musters the courage to ask for help ... and we place them in a fishbowl
and expect them to concentrate.
If anyone has any additional research concerning this issue, or can
help me locate Dr. White's article, I would be most appreciative.
Jen
Jennifer Lindquist, M.Ed.
Academic/Retention Coordinator
Thomas University
TRiO Student Support Services
o: (229)226-1621 x163
m: (229)672-0263
[log in to unmask]
Virtual office - http://tinyurl.com/jenlindquist
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret
Mead
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