Study spots placed under a microscope

By: Carlos Militante

Posted: 3/7/07

Students who aren't satisfied with the conditions of learning environments at San Jose State University can help plan the future of SJSU classrooms, computer labs, libraries and study spaces.

Instructional designer of the Academic Success Center, Menko Johnson, will be conducting a study that will allow students to photograph and document their likes and dislikes of numerous learning environments on the SJSU campus.

"We want to know what students want in classrooms," Johnson said. "Also we want to know if students like to study in quiet or noisy environments, whether they prefer to study at home or on campus. Basically we want to know the reasons why some students can't stay on campus to study."

Johnson said students who volunteer for the study will be asked to take 25 pictures with a disposable camera that will be provided and document their findings on a survey that will also be provided.

"Right now we're only going to take 25 students for the study," Johnson said. "But if I find myself overwhelmed with students applying for the study then I guess I'll just have to go out and buy 25 more cameras."

Katie Masters, a senior majoring in English, said that a study like this is important because if students have good study environments it can better prepare them for assignments and tests, which should result in higher grades.

"The top floors in the library is definitely my favorite place to study," Masters said. "I don't like the fact that the lower floors are integrated with the public because it gets loud and sometimes you're next to sweaty bums."

Johnson said the diversity of the students who participate in the study will be very important.

"I want to hear from students from all backgrounds," Johnson said. "I want to hear from seniors, first years, students with different majors and ethnicities. What one person says doesn't go for everyone."

Mia Engalla, a freshman majoring in kinesiology, said she probably wouldn't take part in the study but thought that it was important that the school do something about some of her classrooms.

"There are just way too many people in some of my classes," Engalla said. "I would like to see smaller classrooms in the future or a lower limit on how many students are allowed in each class."

Masters, a senior majoring in English, shared some of her complaints about her classrooms in Clark Hall.

"I have a few classrooms that don't even have windows," Masters said. "Without windows in a small room like that - it just gets really stuffy sometimes."

Johnson said students who take part in the study will meet and discuss their findings and possibly create some sort of collage so students who didn't take part in the study can see the results.

The study will take place from March 12th to 16th.

"We want the students to have a voice in the future of the school," Johnson said.

Johnson said there would be flyers posted all around campus.

Students who are interested in volunteering will have to call Johnson at (408) 924-3309 or meet with him at Clark Hall 111A by March 9.

Johnson said at the end of the study participants will be entered in a drawing for three iPods.