Peter Goodyear

Robert A. Ellis

This integrated collection of perspectives on the spaces of teaching and learning uses ‘learning space’ to place educational practice in context. It considers the complex relationships involved in the design, management and use of contemporary learning spaces. It sheds light on some of the problems of connecting the characteristics of spaces to the practices and outcomes of teaching and learning. The contributions show how research into learning spaces can inform broader educational practices and how the practices of teaching, learning and design can inform research. The selection of chapters demonstrates the value of gathering together multiple sources of evidence, viewed through different epistemological lenses in order to push the field forward in a timely fashion. The book provides both a broad review of current practices as well as a deep-dive into particular educational and epistemological challenges that the various approaches adopted entail. Contrasts and commonalities between the different approaches emphasise the importance of developing a broad, robust evidence-base for practice in context. This is the inaugural book in the series Understanding Teaching-Learning Practice.

Integrating Perspectives on Research and Practice

Spaces of Teaching and Learning

Many universities around the world are finding that the structures and processes they have put in place to further their educational missions are being tested by rapidly changing circumstances. These changes involve new pedagogies, new course designs, new technologies and updating of the physical campus; reflecting diversifying student needs, growing student numbers, increasing competition and more demanding stakeholder expectations. The Education Ecology of Universities examines these issues, starting with the challenges identified by university leaders who have responsibility for education, digital and campus planning. Sharing an analysis of in-depth interviews with more than 50 leaders, it identifies a range of conceptual and procedural gaps that undermine the full development and alignment of education, digital and campus strategies. The second half of the book provides practical ideas for taking a more holistic – indeed ecological – approach to understanding and improving university learning environments. Setting out a case for a new applied science of educational ecology, this book offers foundational concepts and theoretical perspectives, introducing methods for analysing and evaluating teaching and learning ecosystems. It will be of interest to anyone who wants better ways of understanding how local systems function and can be improved. It is a must-read text for all leaders and researchers in education, and indeed for anyone concerned with the future of higher education.

Robert A. Ellis

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