Learning Resources

Abstract: Historically, college and university classrooms have consisted of little more than a blackboard and antiquated seats. Many classrooms were constructed over 30-70 years ago with minor alterations. Over the next decade, modernizing of lecture, seminar, and classrooms is essential. They will then be more conducive to learning. A seven step strategy to modernize institutional classrooms exists. 1) Conduct a physical survey and inventory of all the teaching spaces. This includes room dimensions, furniture, room arangement, lighting, ventilation, and audiovisual equipment. 2) Conduct a utilization study. This measures whether classrooms are used to their full capacities. 3) Interview faculty and students to determine preferences. Professors and students now prefer to be closer to each other to promote exchanges. 4) Develop criteria for design including A. Physical Considerations; B. Environmental Factors; C. Furniture; and D. Audiovisual Equipment. Additionally, each category of design criteria should follow the four design requirements of function, focus, flexibility, and aesthetics. 5) Calculate estimates of renovation costs for each room. Planners must have specific architectural plans and rough estimates before renovation begins. 6) Start a program of renovation. A financially feasible renovation schedule should be followed--the rooms in the worst shape are scheduled first, with construction on two to five rooms a year over 5-10 years. 7) Once the renovation schedule begins, monitor the direction of the university to determine changes in classroom needs. The design and renovation of institutional classrooms are necessary to attract highly qualified faculty and students. Classrooms exhibiting a warm, attractive, and modern atmosphere enhance the learning enviroment.

Abstract: Book Review: Handbook of Facilities Planning: Volume 2, Laboratory Animals Facilites, edited by Theodorus Ruys. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1990. 442 pages.

Abstract: Book Review: Access Through Innovation: New Colleges for New Student, by James W. Hall. ACE/Macmillan, 1991. 179 pages.

Abstract: Book review: How Colleges Affects Students: Findings and Insights from Twenty Years of Research, by Ernest Pascarella and Patrick Terenzini. Jossey-Bass, 1991. 894 pages.

Abstract: Book Review: Accounting and Budgeting in Public and Non-Profit Organizations: A Manager's Guide, by C. William Garner. Jossey-Bass, 1991. 252 pages.

Abstract: Declining enrollment of traditional students (22-24% decline from 1980 to 1995) has spurred a tremendous emphasis on recruiting, promotion, and advertising activities from colleges and universities. Full color brochures, newspaper and magazine advertisements, and mailing lists have been designed to attract new students. In addition, attractive and innovative new programs, and market research to determine what prospective students are looking for, are being established. To compete in higher education's tight market, institutions must not only concentrate on academic programs and faculty quality but improve physical appearance sends messages to students and their parents on what it stands for. It plays an important part in recruiting students and faculty, in retaining students, and in enhancing the learning experience. A university's buildings, interiors, spaces, furniture and landscaping evoke prospective students' emotions and show its special emphasis. The physical quality of a campus, especially one that is memorably distinctive, is a valuable enrollment market strategy.

Abstract: Book Review: Keeping College Affordable, by Micheal McPherson and Morton Owen Schapiro. The Brookings Institution, 1991. 262 pages.