LaSalle College Awarded New Active Learning Classroom by Steelcase Education

LaSalle College has been selected to receive the installation of an active learning classroom through the Active Learning Center (ALC) program, a grant initiative in its second year founded by Steelcase Education. The institution is the first Canadian school to receive this grant. This program empowers educators to implement active learning strategies by leveraging classroom space. 

Beginning summer 2016, a Steelcase Education learning environment will be installed at LaSalle College. Ready for the Fall 2016 semester, the active learning classroom will positively impact teaching and learning, and will support fluid movement and pedagogies for students eager to return to classes. This new classroom will easily morph into various classroom structures including lecture, independent or team work, presentation and discussion. As a result of this flexibility, the learning environment will enable the instructor to move easily throughout the space to assess student understanding and guide continued skill mastery and application.  

“LaSalle College was chosen for its commitment to utilize progressive pedagogies and active learning strategies that truly impact student engagement,” said Craig Wilson, Director of Market Development, Steelcase Education. “Teachers and students at LaSalle College will now be able to utilize a flexible learning space and explore the capabilities of an environment built specifically for improved engagement and collaboration.”  

In addition to receiving a new classroom, LaSalle College will receive training from Steelcase on the uses of the technology and furniture in their new spaces and will have the opportunity to participate in a community of practice with all awarded schools to share insights and best practices. Over the two-year program, Steelcase Education and LaSalle College will partner together to conduct assessments and research on the impact of the newly designed space. 

“This grant given by the Active Learning Centre will allow us to continue offering our students stimulating working spaces. Therefore, we are pleased to sustain our mission with the installation of this unique classroom,” said Marie-France Tassé, Academic Dean of LaSalle College.  

Steelcase research has shown that active learning environments positively impact student engagement. When surveyed, a majority of students and educators reported that the active learning classrooms contributed to higher engagement, the expectation of better grades, more motivation and more creativity, when compared to traditional row-by-row seating.  

Along with LaSalle College, 12 other schools and universities out of over 800 applications were chosen for their unique approaches to active learning. For more information on the winners, visit the Steelcase Education website.