Philippine E-Journals

IS IT ENOUGH TO BUILD?: USERS’ AWARENESS AND UTILIZATION OF AEA-IRC LEARNING COMMONS

Ludivina A. Cambay | Mary Ann D. Estudillo | Arlene R. Manzo

 

Abstract:

Purpose/objective. The library’s Learning Common (LC) is created to promote active and collaborative student learning engagement. In spite of the good intention of providing an additional learning space, the library has received a number of unfavorable comments from the academic community as to the real purpose of the LC. Thus, this study was conceived. The study aimed to find out the current status of the Aklatang Emilio Aguinaldo-Information Resource Center LC, and to assess the users’ awareness on its purpose, design, available facilities, and its level of utilization. Significance of the study. The findings of the study may serve as reference in creating a program of activities to be conducted at the LC, and in improving the facility and design to better serve the needs of its users. Likewise, this paper hoped to contribute to AEA-IRC’s research output and to the existing studies and literature on the importance of the learning commons as a learning space. Design, methodology, approach. This paper used the descriptive survey type of research. A researcher-made survey questionnaire was used as data gathering instrument to determine the level of awareness of the users with regard to the LC’s purpose, facilities and design, and the level of utilization by the respondents. The respondents were Senior High School and undergraduate students of DLSU-D who were enrolled during the school year 2017-2018. The number of respondents is computed using the sample size calculator with 5% margin of error and 95% confidence level. The data were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted using the following statistical treatment of data: mean and percentages and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. Findings. In this study, the value of AEA-IRC LC to teaching and learning has been strengthened. It has realized that it is not enough to build a space. Its intended purpose must be known to all and its design and facilities must be aligned with the educational needs of those who will use the learning space. Research limitation and implications. The study focused solely on determining the user’s awareness and utilization of AEA-IRC LC. Its target population were limited to senior high school and undergraduate students who are constant users of the space per statistical record. Originality of the paper. This paper affirmed other studies conducted on the learning commons as evolving learning space on campus. The instrument made can be duplicated alongside other methods of measuring the impact and value of the learning commons in teaching, learning and research.