Tylee Bush is a Steelcase intern as well as a student at Grand Valley State University studying communications and writing. She shared her story with 360 about the impact an active learning renovation on GVSU’s library had on her studies.
Grand Valley State University tour guides never fail to showcase the library on each and every tour of campus. The streams of students and parents have become a ubiquitous sight in the library facility. I distinctly remember being a prospective student and visiting the library for the first time. I knew immediately it was far more than a typical library and it became obvious to me why the space is a highlighted feature of GVSU.
IT WASN’T ALWAYS THIS WAY
Prior to renovations, GVSU recognized learning happens in more than just the classroom. The old library wasn’t cultivating creativity and productivity. Alumni recall it as “stiff” and “suppressing.” They remember it feeling homogenous with stagnant furniture, a shortage of outlets to charge devices and few spaces for collaboration.
The university recognized the opportunity to reinvent the space — acknowledging the increasing importance of active learning. Teaching methods are evolving, with classes employing group projects and individual work along with lectures. And it’s not just instructors teaching; peer-to-peer learning is on the rise. These interactive teaching methods require learning spaces where everyone can see and interact with content, instructors and other students, often at a moment’s notice.
