“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” These words ring true as we stand before the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center. This impressive building isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to innovative learning. A space designed to transform the way students learn and faculty teach.
The Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center opened its doors in 2017. It stands as a national model for collaborative learning. Edward St. John a Baltimore developer and University of Maryland alumnus. He donated $10 million to make this vision a reality. The result is a stunning 187000 square foot building. This building houses twelve classrooms and nine teaching labs. It boasts 1500 seats and impacts over 12000 students daily.
But what truly sets the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center apart? It’s the design. The classrooms aren’t your typical lecture halls. They’re dynamic spaces. They feature tiered seating mobile desks and swiveling chairs. This encourages active learning and collaboration. They are aptly called TERP Classrooms. TERP stands for Teach Engage Respond and Participate. The center features technology like wireless screen sharing too. This technology promotes interaction among students. The building even includes four food spaces and two green roofs. One green roof is even used for instruction.
The Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center isn’t just about classrooms. It also houses the University’s Teaching and Learning Transformation Center. The Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is here too. The Division of Information Technology’s Academic Technology and Innovation team works here as well. It’s a hub for innovation. A place where learning and technology intertwine. The building replaced the old Holzapfel Hall and Shriver Laboratory. This new building is a cornerstone of the university’s $2 billion Greater College Park initiative.
The Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center is more than a building. It represents a commitment to fostering collaborative learning. It showcases how architecture can enhance the learning experience. As you look at this structure remember its impact extends far beyond its walls. It’s shaping the future of education. It prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. It’s a place where students not only learn but actively participate in shaping their own education. This center is a testament to the power of vision and investment in education. A legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.