Stanford Classrooms Reimagined team to share findings

The Stanford Classrooms Reimagined project team, which is developing a master plan for classrooms and informal learning spaces that will guide planning and design for the next decade, will present a preview of its findings to the university community this week.

Students participate in an optional breakout session with Bill Behrman, director of the Stanford Data Lab, to learn new skills for upcoming homework. (Image credit: Stanford Data Challenge Lab)

The Office of the Vice Provost for Technology and Learning (VPTL) launched the project last spring, in response to a growing body of research showing that today’s students want to be actively engaged in learning – in the classroom, online and throughout campus. Previous feedback from faculty and administrative staff has emphasized the need for improvements in many of Stanford’s classrooms.

The university is committed to adapting its teaching and learning environment and creating flexible and dynamic learning spaces that support research-based teaching pedagogies and efficient use of spaces.

Mike Keller, vice provost for technology and learning, will open each session, which will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, in Room 001 of 408 Panama Mall. The building is located at the intersection of Panama Mall and Lomita Mall on the west side of campus.

All members of the Stanford community are invited to attend. Space is limited in the room, but the sessions will be available via Zoom. To learn more, and to RSVP for either one of the in-person or Zoom sessions, visit the Stanford Classrooms Reimagined website.

At the sessions, Richard Webber, VPTL’s associate vice provost and chief technology officer, and his team will present their findings. In recent months, they have conducted surveys, focus groups and interviews with faculty, students, administrators and major stakeholders, including academic departments, Student Affairs, and Land, Buildings & Real Estate.

“Input from the Stanford community is critical to informing this project as we continue to improve and optimize Stanford’s classrooms and informal learning spaces,” Webber said.

“Looking ahead, as instructional and student needs evolve, the Stanford Classrooms Reimagined plan will create a framework that will make our classrooms and informal learning spaces more flexible and creative.”

There will be time to ask questions and provide feedback during the sessions.

Attendees are invited to arrive up to 30 minutes before the start time to engage with the project team and fellow participants. The project team will be on hand to answer questions and listen to feedback both before and during the sessions. Refreshments will be served. RSVPs are requested via the Stanford Classrooms Reimagined webpage.