Abstract:

Most institutes of higher learning still offer traditional learning environments that feature podium and rows of chairs, which limit the learning opportunities for the students. Empirical research suggests that millennials prefer informal learning environments for their collaborative team work. McGivney (1999), defines informal learning as “learning that takes place outside a dedicated learning environment.” Unfortunately, the traditional classroom does not provide these opportunities as it requires different spatial, furniture, equipment, technological and environmental configurations.

To understand new generation of students’ needs for informal learning environments, this author developed a research project in collaboration with her graduate students and a leading furniture manufacturer. In this paper this author shares the parameters of the project, the qualitative and quantitative research methods her graduate students utilized to understand students’ needs for informal learning environments. The qualitative methods included the review of published literature, precedents, and theories. The AEIOU framework was also utilized to conduct interviews and observations of informal learning environments, photo and video documentation of activities and interactions taking place in these environments and documentation of how students use various objects in these environments. A survey instrument was also developed to gather data that can be analyzed and compared with the qualitative research findings. For data analysis, the team adapted Elito, journey mapping and sorting and clustering data frame works. Based on their findings, each team developed insights about their selected research topic.

In this paper, the author will discuss the findings of this research project and how it can be utilized in developing the learning environments of tomorrow. The author will also share how this research was shared with the administration, academics, student body and the manufacturers’ representative to inform them about students’ needs so that together they can develop planning strategies to design new informal learning environments to foster collaboration and teamwork.

Keywords:

Informal Learning Environments, Collaborative Learning, Research Methodology, Higher Education, New Technologies.