Creating Spaces for All Types of Learners

Creating Spaces for All Types of Learners

Olivia Stankey

Residence Director for Academic and Wellness Initiatives

Oklahoma State University - 2015-2016

                  When I first arrived at Oklahoma State University and began my role as Resident Director for Academic and Wellness Initiatives, I was tasked with putting together our Academic Development Center (ADC), since it had moved locations over the summer.  I was given the freedom to choose paint colors, furniture placement, desk operations, and more.  Running the day to day operations and management of this facility is one of my primary responsibilities. 

                  I come from an Elementary Education background and we were taught to provide opportunities for all types of learners.  Throughout my program, I was able to apply what I was learning in class to many of my experiences in Student Affairs and Housing, such as how colleges and universities are not built for Kinesthetic Learners.  The three main types of learning styles are Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic.  The first and second of these are catered to often in college, through PowerPoints, Lectures, and more.  But the latter, Kinesthetic, is not found much outside of labs and shop courses.  So how can we support these learners who need to move around and work with the material when they study?

                  There was an additional room in our new Academic Development Center location that no one knew what to do with.  I pitched that we should turn it into a Kinesthetic Study Room so the ADC would cater to all types of learners.  Thankfully, leadership and my direct supervisor let me run with the idea.  As a result, we have distinct spaces in the ADC for all learners, as pictured below.  The Kinesthetic Study Room is stocked with small whiteboards to walk around with, a large whiteboard on the wall to write on, low lighting for those who are sensitive to fluorescents, alternative seating options, and white noise machines. 

                  Since it’s opening in August 2015, the ADC and its new Kinesthetic Room have been a success.  Every time I walk by when our center is open, there are students using the Kinesthetic Study Room and it makes me proud to have been able to serve students in this way, providing access for all types of learners to study in a university setting.

Sincerely,

Olivia Stankey