Are "New Building" Learning Gains Sustainable?

by: Mary M. Walczak and David G. L. Van Wylen

New science facilities have become a reality on many college campuses in the last few decades. Large time investments in creating shared programmatic vision and designing flexible spaces, partnered with large fiscal investments, have created a new generation of science building. Unfortunately, few studies provide evidence about whether the articulated goals were achieved. In this study, we revisit assessment of our science facilities after 5 years of occupancy, looking specifically for sustained gains in (a) student perceptions of interdisciplinarity, (b) the ability to stay focused despite high levels of visual connectedness, and (c) overall appreciation for the learning environment.

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Type Journal ArticlePub Date 7/1/2015Stock # jcst15_044_06_17Volume 044Issue 06

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