Optimize Learning Outcomes

Comprehensive collection of case studies of undergraduate learning and recreational environments. 

A number of tools useful to people designing academic environments are available free of charge at the web address noted below. 

Sanders probed the relationship between the arrangement of chairs in classrooms and student engagement. 

Can classroom window views improve grades, or do they just make students feel better?

Kang and Williamson investigated how hearing music influences learning a second language.  

The Society of College and University Planning (SCUP) awarded its Chapman Prize to Susan Painter, Janice Fournier, Caryn Grape, Phyllis Grummon, Jill Morelli, Susan Whitmer, and Joseph Cevetello, and they used the prize money to research how libraries (and library design) can best serve current and potential users. 

Researchers at Rensselaer’s Lighting Research Center have found that exposing people to reddish light during the “post-lunch dip” can be advantageous.  

Metin and his colleagues investigated links between background sound and impulsive behavior by people with ADHD.  

Applying design research makes it more likely that environments support educational programs.

Miller-Cochran and Gierdowski have learned that flexible classroom design cost-effectively supports composition (writing) classes.