Collaborative teaching or a quiet place alone? Students debate learning environment

A woman studies at the Bender Library’s quiet floor at American University’s campus on Thursday, June 21. Research shows learning environment may be an important piece of academics. Photo by Iseabail Kelley.

Washington, D.C. students provided insights this summer on where they prefer to study and how they like to learn, as Vanderbilt University researchers examined the effectiveness of a new collaborative learning style.

Students find different environments most fitting for their study preferences.

Some students prefer working alone in the library. Others said this week they favor working in their room.

Joshua Dantzler, a sophomore at American University, explained that he is most productive in a quiet place. His approach to his Political Science workload is similar to other American University students, touching upon assignments every Sunday and continuing to work throughout the week. Dantzler typically does his work alone in the library, away from friends and other distractions.

“I can’t even work with music now,” Dantzler said. “Most of the time I have to turn the music off.”

Yet, every person is different.

John Tam, 21, an American senior, finds himself to be most productive in a comfortable setting.

“I prefer to have a window, just to see nature or to take a break from now and then and just go outside, get some fresh air,” Tam said. “I just really hate to be stuffed in and just think about work.”

Although older university students find themselves most productive while working independently, innovations in learning environments are changing the way younger students gather information.

New types of educational approaches, such as collaborate learning styles, are becoming increasingly popular among high schools around the globe.

Active learning is a style in which students collaborate “to construct knowledge and understanding.” It achieves “a higher order of thinking” that students would be unable to reach if working alone, according to Cynthia J. Brame of Vanderbilt University.

But, for Adam Friedman, 17, a Woodrow Wilson High School senior, collaborative learning is not as beneficial as studies have shown.

Friedman characterized himself as an introvert, thus making group projects frustrating.

“A lot of times you just go in opposite directions and don’t get anything done,” said Friedman about group work.