CPASS and WestVirginia University as a whole have always had a commitment to innovative, hands-on education. Now, thanks to a grant award from Steelcase Education, CPASS will be able to expand our offerings with an active learning classroom that will support instructors and students by creating an environment that encourages engagement,collaboration and creativity.
The new classroom in the Health and Education Building, valued at $67,000, will open during the fall 2019 semester and offer a varied, flexible setting designed to facilitate hands-on experimentation and problem-solving to meet 21st-century learning and faculty development.
“Active learning represents the foundational component of student success, including opportunities to engage in authentic experiences, meaningful selfreflection and collaborative exchanges,” says Dana K. Voelker, assistant professor of sport, exercise and performance psychology at WVU. “This renovation will allow faculty to move beyond outdated paradigms by diversifying instruction to mee t the expectations of 21st-century learners.” The project will be led by a multidisciplinary team of faculty and staff from the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Teaching and Learning Commons, classroom planning committee and Facilities Management.
Steelcase Education director of market development Craig Wilson says WVU was chosen because of a demonstrated commitment to active learning. The classroom will help a new group of faculty and students explore all the learning possibilities an interactive space can bring. Steelcase Education will also provide training for using the new spaces and will share insights and best practices.
Over the course of the two-year program, Steelcase and WVU will partner to conduct assessments and research on how the reconfigured spaces have affected student and faculty performance.
“We are so excited to be recognized by Steelcase Education for our efforts in promoting personalized, engaged learning with our students,” says Sean M. Bulger, associate dean for graduate and online educa tion at CPASS. “With Steelcase Education’s support, we will continue this mission and f oster better collaborations between students and faculty in the classroom.”
This partnership reflects West Virginia Forward’s efforts to support educators who are marrying innovation and personalized learning experiences through tailored, hands-on programs and furthers building the essential skills and knowledge necessary for students to succeed in an ever-evolving, high-tech workforce.
West Virginia Forward is a sta tewide initiative interwoven with collaborative partnerships. By bringing together the brightest minds to le verage multidisciplinary action in three main sectors, these efforts can empower real, lasting change.
The grant from Steelcase Education was made through the WVU Foundation. Steelcase Education partners with institutions across North America to create effective, rewarding and inspiring active learning environments. In the past five years, Steelcase Education has awarded 68 Active Learning Center Grants to schools, colleges and universities in North America.