SPUR Project

2009 Winner (3 of 13)

SLIPS Social Learning in Physical Spaces: The Student Perception
Supervisors: Dr Michelle Pepin

NTU has embarked upon an ambitious programme of estate development (and regeneration of existing estate). Additionally NTU has invested in a new on-line learning platform to advance the blended and eLearning capabilities offered by the previous provision. The Social Learning in Physical Spaces project (SLiPS) focused on the twinned aspects of social learning and physical learning space and the relationship between these, pedagogic/anthrogogic approaches to learning and teaching (including the concept of social learning) and finally how these relate to student learning achievement. Drawing on the work of Lizzio et al (2002), the SPUR project addressed an aspect of the SLIPS project through its focus on research into the perception of students at NTU about their learning environment and learning spaces and how these influence the students' approach to their learning and subsequent learning achievement. Student tasks included a literature review, research design tasks and data collection including focus groups and interviews. The student transcribed, coded and analysed the data and finally reported on findings, including recommendations to LTC network. Opportunities were made available for the student to co-author publications and conference papers.