Different Types of Classrooms at Westminster
Classrooms at Westminster
Over the last several years the University has been progressively updating and upgrading its classrooms. The focus has been on improving the digital elements of classroom spaces as well as changing the nature of the furniture within some rooms. Overall, the main goal has been to create classroom spaces that are more adaptable to different teaching and learning approaches.
Our classrooms are equipped with Lectern PC, projector or interactive touch screens, visualiser, and whiteboards or glassboards. We also have around 100 classrooms with wireless display enabled. Some of the range of classroom types are defined to a large extent by the nature of the furniture and technology in them, including Active learning classroom, Hybrid classroom, Cabaret style, Flexible classroom, Computer classroom, Seminar classroom, and Lecture classroom. You can find a list of different types of classrooms below
Active learning classroom
With Quintin Hogg Trust funding, a number of active learning classrooms were created to support collaborative learning and encourage student engagement. The classroom seats 24-40 students who can work in groups of 6. There are rectangular tables with movable seating that allow students to face each other and conduct small-group work. Each table is paired with an interactive touch screen and a glass board for brainstorming and diagramming. Wireless display makes it easy for students project their computer (mobile devices) screens to the group, and the instructor can choose a table’s work to share with the entire class.
Hybrid Classroom
Our hybrid classroom provides a learning environment where part of the students are present in the classroom physically and part joins the class virtually. The interactive touch screens on the wall allows Instructors canto access and control video-conferencing software platforms directly from the control panel including Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Personal devices including laptops, tablets, and mobile phones can be easily connected to the network to display content on the screens as well as access camera and microphone in the classroom. This classroom configuration ensures students still enjoy face-to-face learning on a regular basis, but are able to be much more flexible in where they choose to study. It makes it possible for instructors to maintain dynamic dialogue between the physical and virtual classrooms.
Cabaret style
The cabaret style typically uses clusters of tables for 4 or 6 students. Extra chairs can be added for when classes are full. Similar to our active learning classroom, this configuration allows students to work in groups. The table space is ideal for students using personal IT, having small group discussions, running fishbowl or jigsaw activities.
Flexible classroom
Desks and chairs are movable. These classrooms can be reconfigured easily to allow for individual, small group and full class participation.
Computer classroom
This type of classroom is equipped with desktop computers for all students. It is set with the computer in rows.
Seminar classroom
This configuration sets tables in solid square, hollow square, or circles. It can simulate meetings, especially to support decision making activities. The central space is created in which to discuss objects or large artefacts.
Lecture classroom
This is the traditional teaching room configuration with desks arranged in rows. It has the capacity of 20-300. This is well suited to teacher-directed learning and activities that require the attention of the students to be directed towards the front of the room, such as lecture-style content delivery, activity demonstration, video viewing, and role-play.
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