1 The impact of social learning spaces on student engagement

In 2006, the University of Queensland began an in-depth review of the Bachelor of Science, which prompted wide-ranging changes to the degree program. Given the profound importance of the first year experience, a new approach to the first year was created and implemented from 2008, and included both curricular and co-curricular activities. In addition, informal learning spaces for science students were designed to provide students with a common area in which to gather, relax, socialise and work together outside classes. In late 2008, a survey to gauge levels of student engagement and use of informal learning spaces was administered to all science students. The results suggest that students who used these spaces demonstrated higher levels of engagement compared to those students who did not use these spaces