A Framework of Factors for Learning Environment Evaluation

© 2019 Graeme John OliverA Framework of factors for Learning Environmewnt Evaluation There is a common assumption that the provision of innovative learning environments in schools will lead to the subsequent implementation of appropriate innovative approaches to teaching and learning in these facilities. However, there is not a strong body of research that interrogates the nature of the relationships and outcomes that occur in the complex interactions between new learning environments and education practices. This research developed a framework to facilitate the evaluation of innovative education practices in innovative learning environments. The purpose of the framework is to help practitioners best identify their particular situation and circumstances for evaluation of identified aspects of the relationship between learning environments and teaching and learning practices. This supports the premise that better judgements about evaluation will facilitate the development of better understandings of issues related to the implementation of innovative education practices in innovative learning environments. The framework for research was developed using an approach based on Conceptual Modelling. The details of the framework were derived from the literature review deliberately incorporating a cross-disciplinary perspective of literature that drew on the fields of architecture and education facility design and education practice with a particular orientation to teaching and learning in innovative learning environments. The capacity of the framework to achieve its intended purposes was investigated through a research process of Expert Elicitation. The research methodology of Expert Elicitation was very effective in generating a valid pool of data from a small focussed group of respondents. Analysis of the data showed that experts from backgrounds in both architecture and education strongly agreed on factors considered to be the most significant in relation to the implementation of innovative education practices in innovative learning environments. These factors were centred around concepts of education principles, stakeholder connection and student engagement. Qualitative data analysis identified a revised structure to the framework that could best represent the key findings of the research. The framework allows for dynamic interpretation of the declared set of key issues that were identified. Guidelines for making decisions about interpretation of the evaluation framework are given through descriptions of the key purpose statements, guiding questions and consideration of the nature of evaluation to be utilised. Consequently, the key factors in the framework may be adapted to cater for different contextual settings as well as differing interpretations of key ideas associated with the evaluation of innovative education practices in innovative learning environments. This study presents two significant outcomes: a) the framework which was developed through the research that brings focus and coherence to the evaluative situation; and b) the questionnaire that was developed for use by specific groups to aid in their own situation specific interpretation of the framework. Both the framework and the questionnaire represent a balanced integration of the perspectives of architects and educators with respect to implementing innovative education practices in innovative learning environments