DESIGNING ACTIVE LEARNING SPACES

The aim of this paper is to provide the introduction to the concept of learning ecosystem and active learning spaces (ALS); common characteristics of ALS; rationale for initiating innovative facilities in Nazarbayev University, Republic of Kazakhstan, to promote effective teaching methodologies, student engagement in active learning, collaboration, communication, teamwork, and peer-teaching; description of desired features and technology; and facilitate similar projects in redesigning existing or constructing new facilities in other educational institutions by sharing additional resources (case studies, samples of furniture, room design, etc.) available in the author’s online library collection [1]. We realize that physical layout of the classroom or study rooms affects the way people engage, communicate, collaborate, learn, and share knowledge. Examples of active learning spaces (classrooms, workshop areas, and innovation rooms) described in the paper include ALS in the Nazarbayev University library and newly constructed School of Engineering.