Conference poster
Production and reproduction: giving meaning to space
Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA)
Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Incorporated (HERDSA) Conference, 36th (Auckland, New Zealand, 01/07/2013 - 04/07/2013)
2013
Metrics
6 Record Views
Abstract
A sense of place is fostered through the making of meaning. When students ascribe meaning to a space intended for learning it transforms into a place of learning. Places are continually produced and reproduced through interaction and thereby spaces acquire new meanings over a period of time. The evaluation of the ever-changing flexible-learning spaces at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) offered opportunities for stakeholders to produce and reproduce places of learning. To capture the potential for production and reproduction of the spaces a collaborative approach was the key to the evaluations success. The innovative participatory research method Photovoice facilitated the approach and ensured that the stakeholders were evaluating the space from different perspectives. This method promotes critical dialogue and knowledge about an issue and encourages students, in particular, to share their voice. The methodology provided opportunities to capture stakeholders' insights into the features they found useful or to suggest additions for improving the spaces. The evaluation collected empirical data highlighting the day-to-day realities and effectiveness of the space for learning, the utilisation of the technology and the physical features of the space. Responses were recorded, critical dialogue promoted and knowledge shared to reach decision makers who are best able to influence change. Outcomes from this research provide information for the production of future learning spaces at USC supporting the development of a place of learning. Flexible furniture options, technology supporting blended learning and the latest pedagogical approaches create learning experiences to which students can attribute meaning.
Details
- Title
- Production and reproduction: giving meaning to space
- Creators
- Ruth Greenaway - University of the Sunshine CoastTilly Hinton - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Conference
- Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Incorporated (HERDSA) Conference, 36th (Auckland, New Zealand, 01/07/2013 - 04/07/2013)
- Publisher
- Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA); Australia
- Identifiers
- 991013143488902368
- Academic Unit
- Centre for Teaching and Learning
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference poster