is “Passive Learning” an oxymoron?

University of Dayton presents on Learning spaces at ELI 2007. Early on in the talk, David Wright made this comment about pasive learning, and I was instantly intrigued. He went on to show MRI images of brains in action. The brain is the REAL learning space. Our job is to get more parts of the brain to light up. Not just more parts, but the middle part of the brain where the higher cognitive functions happen. George Kuh of NSSE and Deep Schools–

living mission and lived ed philosophy

unshakeable focus on student learning

AND:

Space is dedicated for social and catylitic interactions.

I had more notes that I have now lost because I didn’t save ARRGGHH. I’ll try to recreate the gist:

The architect said that he has moved from considering students per square foot to considering square feet of learning!

Deborah Bickford had excellent insights into the importance of having teams that design spaces which include ALL stakeholders, including maintenance staff, and in helping the team to learn about learning spaces and facilitating conversation that has a balance between creativity and concrete decision making. Their teaching center had really cool space too, and they also mentioned IUPUI and Chism’s group and space.  While we preach collaboration, do we ourselves practice it? Do our spaces encourage or evn allow it??
This session was excellent and exciting. Summary: instead of thinking of starting communities and then later making spaces for them, consider how spaces SPARK community. I will try to link back to the supporting materials when ELI has it up.