The Role of Learning Space in Enhancing Active Learning: Introducing the STEM-Center at Tampere University of Applied Sciences
- This paper describes the transformation of engineering physics education through activating teaching methods for better learning outcomes and the redesign of learning spaces to support these pedagogical approaches. The transformation of a traditional physics laboratory into a versatile group work and multipurpose space known as the “STEM-Center,” at Tampere University of Applied Sciences is presented. The transformation was inspired by active pedagogical methods such as "Peer Instruction," "PDEODE," and the "SCALE-UP" method and its associated spaces. After the transformation, the space remains suitable for physics laboratory work. Across all courses, it encourages students to be active participants rather than passive listeners, which in turn improves learning outcomes. Most students express high satisfaction with the pedagogical methods and the learning environment as well as a preference for these engaging and activating methods over traditional lecture-based teaching, highlighting an enhanced learning experience and a stronger sense of ownership over their learning.