Anne Leftwich
AVP Learning Technologies,
Indiana University
Active by Design: Evidence-Based Strategies for Creating Engaging Classrooms
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 9:45AM–10:30AM CT | EDUCAUSE Commons, Teaching & Learning Central, Poster Area
Session Type:
Poster Session
Delivery Format:
Poster
What makes a classroom truly active? This poster presents findings from a mixed-methods study examining how active learning classrooms (ALCs) at a large public university shape student engagement and instructional practice. New survey data from students and instructors, heatmaps of classroom movement, and direct observation rubrics provide a rich, multi-dimensional picture of how these spaces function in practice. Students emphasized visibility, ease of movement, and writable surfaces as critical to engagement. Instructors noted increases in student collaboration and adaptability—but also challenges with technology and layout. One centerpiece of this work is the Active Learning Observation Tool, a practical rubric institutions can use to evaluate how well their classroom environments support active learning behaviors. This tool moves beyond aesthetics to help campuses make strategic, data-informed improvements. Visualizations—including side-by-side student/instructor feedback and real classroom heatmaps—will help attendees see active learning come to life. The poster will also include QR codes linking to editable resources, survey instruments, and visual planning guides for evaluating or improving their own learning environments.
