In a bid to enhance the student learning experience, Queen’s is establishing itself as a leader in innovative education across Canada.
The University has introduced over 20 new classrooms designed to foster active learning and leverage technology. Various classroom types have been implemented, including flexible, low-tech, and high-tech team-based classrooms. Each space is equipped with movable furniture and advanced technology, allowing for diverse student interactions.
“As program curricula evolve and new teaching methods are adopted, it is crucial that Queen’s learning environment keeps pace to these advancements,” Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) Gavan Watson told the Gazette. “The framework will provide comprehensive guidelines to ensure that classrooms, collaborative workspaces, and study spaces foster innovations in pedagogy, enhance student engagement, and integrate modern educational technologies.”
A notable example of this initiative is Theological Hall room 307—designed as a low-tech, team-oriented active learning classroom equipped with 10 TVs and a whiteboard. Another example is the “Welcoming Room” in Mackintosh-Corry Hall room E202—a newly designed communal gathering space and Indigenous classroom. It was designed in collaboration with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) as a multipurpose room which can be used to hold Indigenous ceremonies and events, as well as academic courses with a focus on Indigenous content and culture.
READ MORE: New Indigenous gathering space opens at Queen’s
Acknowledging the evolution of technology and student requirements, the strategic framework will maintain adaptability to accommodate future changes in teaching methodologies. It will also integrate the principles of Indigenization, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA), ensuring learning spaces are equitable and accessible for all students.
Across campus, eight flexible learning rooms, 11 low-tech team-based classrooms, and five high-tech team-based classrooms have been introduced and are designed to collaborative learning through advanced technology and flexible configurations. These enhancements aim to create environments that promote meaningful interactions and deeper understanding of course material.
“We are hoping to have input from a wide variety of stakeholders from across the university as we begin developing this framework,” Watson told the Gazette. “Students, faculty, and staff are all encouraged to take part in the consultation process so we can develop a shared vision for how our spaces can best meet our needs going forward.”
To develop a framework that reflects the diverse needs of faculty, students, and staff, Queen’s will conduct extensive consultations with both internal and external stakeholders. These sessions are scheduled for Fall 2024, with a final report expected by early 2025.
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