Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching PMnetwork for Excellence in Learning & Teaching Fifth Workshop Bournemouth University

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching The Impact of the Learning Environment on PM Learning and Teaching Denise Bower

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching Context Lack of appreciation of the whole learning experience Change in emphasis of teaching Which factors affect the development of specific project management abilities? Is there an “optimum” learning environment for the development of specific project management abilities?

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching Speakers Subject/ Skill SpaceStudents ICT Speakers

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching Impact of Space on Learning Publications on Space in general but very little in PM –HEFCE Space Management Group website –HEFCE Designing Spaces for Effective Learning –North Carolina State University. SCALE-UP –Oblinger, D.G. ed Learning Spaces [online]. EDUCAUSE Efficiency and effectiveness Innovation / creativity labs

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching Potential Benefits of Creative Learning Environments Potential Increase in Double-Loop Learning Challenging Methodology  Provides an environment which aids in critical evaluation while stimulating creative not just critical thinking  Potential for changing facilitator/lecturer thinking Best Practice Examination  Opportunity to evaluate best practice first hand, through practitioner study or simulation  Best practice development through creative thinking Space for Student-led inter-module Tutorials/Discussion Groups  Provides an interactive space for discussion/brainstorming  Use of a neutral space for student/ practitioner presentations/learning by doing/teaching

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching Potential Benefits of Creative Learning Environments Potential Increase in Active Learning  Using an i-Lab or creative environment increases student participation (Bedfordshire) Flexible Area for Group Working/Studying Group Dynamics  Build interpersonal skills and learn to collaborate in a multicultural environment  Arena for ‘ soft-skill ’ and theory application  Opportunity for students to actively learn how to select appropriate leadership and negotiation style and improve communication and team building ICT to Support Simulation  ‘ Learning by doing ’ without risk  Provides interactive experiences with instant feedback  Outcome Based Learning  Simulation provides an opportunity to develop enterprise- wide PM techniques  Organisational simulation to demonstrate programme scenarios, interdependencies, etc.  Practical experience with software Interactive Tutorial Sessions  Increased Tutor-student interaction – a more iterative learning process  Further knowledge transfer to extraverted learners and international students  Allows for post-lecture reflection  Allows for anonymous contributions and questions Presence of Stimuli  Encourages creative or ‘ different ’ thinking

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching Potential Benefits of Creative Learning Environments Potential for Practitioner Study  Creative learning spaces can improve efficiency and effectiveness Practice to Accompany Theory  Potential for students to observe skill development/group dynamics through ‘ fishbowl ’ observation Increased Soft-skill appreciation  Non-lecture theatre forum for soft skill study/development Increased Development/Awareness of Higher-Order Skills  Arena for improved development of higher-order skills such as decision making, leadership, dealing with complexity

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching A question for this afternoon How should the learning environment be configured for PM L&T? (Would you complete a learning space evaluation?)

Project Management Network for Excellence in Learning & Teaching Conclusions The space matters There is a relationship that cannot be ignored between the speakers, the students, the space and the subject There are significant potential benefits