Teaching Preparation and Support

Collaborative classroom instructors and their teams of learning assistants work together to create dynamic learning environments that promote student engagement and academic success.

Who Should Use a Collaborative Classroom?

Collaborative classrooms are ideal for instructors who want to move beyond traditional lecture formats and engage students in active learning. These spaces work best for instructors who:

• Use interactive teaching methods with short, focused lectures interwoven with collaborative activities
• Facilitate group work where students solve problems, discuss concepts, or work through case studies and projects
• Encourage peer learning through activities like think-pair-share, group problem-solving, or peer instruction
• Want to try innovative approaches with support from tabletop whiteboards, flexible seating, and multiple projection points

Collaborative classrooms work especially well for: introductory courses with high enrollment, problem-based learning courses, discussion-intensive seminars, and any class where student interaction enhances understanding.

Successful collaborative classroom instructors typically:

• Have developed a sound understanding of evidence-based teaching and learning strategies in their discipline
• Are comfortable facilitating rather than solely lecturing
• Welcome opportunities to try innovative approaches
• Are prepared to guide student discussions and collaborative work
• Embrace the role of learning facilitator

Why Choose a Collaborative Learning Space?

Enhanced Student Engagement

Round tables for 4-6 students create natural collaboration opportunities, while multiple projectors ensure every student has clear sight lines to presentation materials.

Flexible Learning Environment

Adjustable-height swivel chairs, tabletop whiteboards, and enhanced WiFi networks accommodate diverse teaching styles and technology integration.

Proven Results

Hundreds of studies demonstrate that active-learning strategies reduce failure rates and improve student understanding compared to traditional lecture formats.

Preparing to Teach in a Collaborative Learning Space

Collaborative learning spaces work best for courses that benefit from collaborative activities and student interaction. Consider a Collaborative Classroom if your course includes:

• Group problem-solving activities
• Peer discussions and collaborative learning
• Interactive demonstrations or hands-on work
• Technology-enhanced activities requiring student devices
• Small-group projects within larger class sessions

Essential Teaching Strategies

Restructure Your Class Sessions

Use short, focused lecture segments that enhance conceptual understanding rather than lengthy lectures. A typical 50-minute class should include a minimum of 3-4 activities interspersed with explanations.

Embrace Active Learning Throughout

Incorporate collaborative-learning strategies throughout each class session from the very first day, not just occasionally. Interleave small group activities with relevant explanations to foster critical thinking and promote deeper learning.

Plan for Movement and Interaction

Take advantage of the accessible table arrangement - move around the room during activities, engage with student groups, and encourage peer-to-peer learning using the tabletop whiteboards.

Utilize Learning Assistants for Large Classes

For large classes, use a team of Learning Assistants including co-instructors, teaching assistants, and/or undergraduate preceptors/learning assistants to provide support for students during in-class activities.

Professional Development Resources

Instructors are encouraged to review the literature and participate in professional development opportunities to develop a fundamental understanding of the key concepts. Below are a few of the many resources available to support your teaching in collaborative classrooms.

The University Center for Assessment, Teaching, and Technology offers a wide variety of services to support the teaching community, including services for active-learning strategies and Collaborative Classroom preparation.

University of Minnesota Active Learning Program provides practical information about teaching in collaborative spaces.

This series of articles from author James Lang, explores how small changes in teaching can have a big impact on student learning.

This EDUCASE publication examines how physical and virtual learning spaces, technology, and pedagogy intersect to impact student learning and success.

How to Request a Collaborative Classroom

Collaborative classrooms are scheduled by Room & Course Scheduling (RCS) during the standard scheduling process. When submitting course scheduling requests, departmental room schedulers should:

1. Indicate collaborative classroom preference by selecting Room Characteristic "32 & 35" during the RCS Open Scheduling period
2. Meet standard criteria including appropriate meeting patterns and capacity requirements
3. Submit early for best availability

Learn more on the Registrar’s website about requesting a Collaborative Classroom.