In addition to what they learn, students’ educational success can also be linked to the environment in which they learn.
With that in mind, architectural firm LPA and Tyler Junior College are currently collaborating on a remodel of TJC West, to provide the latest in design for educational spaces regarding different learning styles for students in TJC’s workforce training programs.
LPA architects and Dr. Deana Sheppard, TJC provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, recently co-presented at the Association of Texas College & University Facilities Professionals conference, held in Frisco.
Their presentation, “One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Planning for Neurodiversity,” provided an in-depth discussion on the importance of physical environments that are most conducive to student learning and success.
“The terms ‘learning environment’ and ‘neurodiversity’ aren’t new, but many people are now focusing on how environment affects learning and success and how far-reaching they are with regard to a student’s educational experience,” Sheppard said. “It’s basically differences in how people think and learn. It could be someone with a learning difference or just the way they feel comfortable learning, or anywhere in between. It is wonderful that architects are considering environment at this level.”
“Variety is key,” she added. “It’s all about creating those communal student spaces in the center and then, like spokes of a wheel, providing those quiet spaces and different aspects that align with students’ preferred learning environments. The architects have been very intentional about that.”
For instance, students at TJC West have described their needs for spaces that offer opportunities for: collaboration; quiet study; physical fitness; food amenities; being outdoors and communing with nature; and relaxing and recharging.
“As educators, this is also about recognizing that every student is different. This isn’t about designing one space for ADHD and another space for dyslexia and so on, but instead providing options so students can choose and flow back and forth, based on what they need at the time. And they don’t have to have a specific difference to benefit from it; it’s just based on the ways in which they learn, study and interact best and what will help them to be successful.
“This attention to design style also gets to the heart of our TJC Core Value of Caring, which combines empathy and action to show a generosity of spirit.”