Engagement. Creativity. Collaboration. These are the hallmarks of the active learning experience now redefining engineering education at UW–Madison. In the transformed classrooms at Kurt F. Wendt Commons lecture halls are giving way to dynamic learning studios where students tackle problems together and ideas flow freely.
The Collaboratory for Engineering Education and Teaching Excellence (CEETE) – part of the College’s Center for Innovation in Engineering Education (CIEE) – provides support to help faculty elevate their pedagogy with evidence-based innovation. Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) put students at the center of the learning process, sparking higher engagement and creativity in every class session. Students practice working in groups, solving problems, and explaining how they know they are on the right track. It is practicing for future success.
How Our ALCs Transform the Learning Experience:
The Wendt Commons ALCs are more than just repurposed spaces; they are catalysts for proven educational outcomes. Built on principles of flexibility and interaction, these rooms feature:
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Adaptable Seating: Furniture that puts the focus on teamwork discussions at the tables with flexibility for smaller configurations.
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Shared Digital & Analog Workspaces: Abundant whiteboards and seamless technology integration to visualize ideas and solve problems collaboratively.
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Student-Centered Design: Layouts that naturally encourage peer-to-peer learning and instructor mobility. There is no stage for the sage.
Why Active Learning Delivers Results:
This shift from passive listening to active doing is grounded in powerful evidence and directly advances CEETE’s mission:
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Elevated Performance: Preliminary data and anecodotal evidence from the ALC program indicate that well designed ALC courses can
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Sharpened Essential Skills: Through constant collaboration on problems and design challenges, students develop the critical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities vital for success in engineering careers.
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Deeper Understanding & Motivation: Active participation transforms students from note-takers into engaged problem-solvers, leading to more profound conceptual grasp and increased motivation.
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Stronger Community & Inclusion: The interactive nature of ALCs fosters a supportive environment where every student’s voice is encouraged, building a greater sense of belonging and community within engineering.
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Career-Ready Engineers: By mirroring the collaborative, hands-on nature of professional engineering work, ALC students are well-prepared to innovate and lead in team environments.
CEETE’s Commitment: Innovation in Action
The ALCs at Wendt Commons are a tangible expression of CEETE and CIEE’s commitment to educational excellence. By providing faculty with the tools and spaces to implement evidence-based active learning strategies, we are not just teaching engineering – we are transforming how it is learned. This approach fosters the engagement, creativity, and collaboration essential for developing the innovative and successful engineers of tomorrow.
