Learning Commons Episode 6: A Learning Commons in Action

SUMMARY: The author's daughter describes her experience of a learning commons at a summer program at the University of Waterloo. Architectural space, innovative programming and community outreach are celebrated, challenging schools to consider new ways of collaboration and inquiry.


An Invitation 

This summer, my daughter Alice attended the Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. Much of her delight during the week originated from how well the School and its teachers engaged the students in the kind of learning commons that I have been discussing here. While this experience was for a few students, and in a well-endowed university setting, the lessons for teaching and learning for 21st century schools were clear and exciting. So following the launch of our Learning Commons website (see my previous blog to sign up) I asked Alice to write an entry here about her week at Waterloo. I encourage you to comment on what she has written for us.

Background

The Class of 2011!

My name is Alice Gauntley. In honour of the launch of the Learning Commons website, my dad has asked me to write about my glimpse of a “learning commons” in action—the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. A few weeks ago, I was privileged enough to attend the Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students at the University of Waterloo. This week-long program was for high school students interested in exploring quantum physics and, in particular, ways to ensure information security in an age of quantum computing.   

It was an amazing experience. Difficult concepts—modular arithmetic, quantum superposition, public-key cryptography—were taught by engaging and enthusiastic people in informal lectures with lots of time to ask questions and receive clarification. It was a revelation to be in an environment where everyone was genuinely interested, not in test scores or rankings, but simply in learning for the sake of learning.

The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo Ontario

The Perimeter Institute

But one of the highlights of my experience at QCSYS was the tour we were given of the Perimeter Institute. PI is one of the world’s foremost institutions for the study of theoretical physics, and its stunning architecture alone makes it stand out from the functionalist concrete of the University of Waterloo. A guide led us through the building—a new wing has just been completed, integrated seamlessly with the old—and explained the very deliberate way the Institute had been designed.

When the Perimeter Institute was being constructed, the architects and planners sought the input of the physicists who would be working there—what did they want in a workplace? Their suggestions were taken very seriously, and the result is an environment I would love to work and learn in (although I’m not really planning a career in theoretical physics).

Spaces for Collaboration

To begin with, the professors consulted asked for lots of natural light—so ceilings are made of glass, and every office has large windows.  Even within the building, many walls are transparent, allowing researchers to see where their colleagues are in case they want to meet up to discuss a project or talk through a new idea.  

Collaborating to Build Knowledge

The physicists also asked for lots of collaborative spaces—places where they could share ideas and work through concepts with others. In other words, the very definition of a learning commons.  Blackboards are scattered throughout the building—apparently theoretical physicists prefer chalk to dry-erase markers—in open areas with comfy chairs and wood-burning fireplaces. The collaborative spaces are located near large groupings of private offices, often on a level midway between two adjacent floors, so they are accessible and convenient for all (but not distracting—all offices are soundproofed).

Outreach Programming

Lastly, PI’s outreach program is exemplary. Its lecture halls play host to public lecture series so popular the (free) tickets are all claimed hours after they’re made available online. The Institute also uploads videos of all their events to their website, and all their courses are available free of charge on iTunes U. The lecture halls are acoustically sound and they draw huge crowds with their concerts and other cultural programming as well. Not only is the Perimeter Institute a learning commons for the people who work there, it is also a place for the community to gather and gain knowledge.

New Thinking

My tour of the Perimeter Institute was truly inspiring, and I think it presents a model for how to construct spaces that encourage creative and cutting-edge thinking.