Neuroinclusive Learning Classroom Opens in Wentworth Hall

Wentworth Institute of Technology officially opened a new pilot neuroinclusive learning environment in Wentworth Hall, marking a significant step forward in the university's strategic priority of Inclusive Excellence.

Created to meet the evolving needs of Wentworth's diverse student body, the newly renovated space merges two former classrooms into a single, flexible environment. The project aims to better support neurodiverse students (those who may process information or interact differently than others) by addressing common classroom concerns regarding seating, group size, and lighting.

Inclusive Design for Focus and Flexibility

The new classroom incorporates specific design elements intended to support focus and reduce distractions for today's generation of students. Key features of the space include:

• Acoustic improvements: Full carpeting for sound reduction to minimize auditory distractions
• Visual thinking spaces: Three walls of expansive, erasable whiteboards to encourage and collaborative problem-solving
• Flexible furniture: Multiple types of seating, including furniture that allows for non-distracting motion (similar to desk swings or exercise ball seats), catering to students who need physical movement to maintain attention
• Advanced Technology: Updated hearing assist systems to support students with accessibility needs
  

Championing Active Learning

The creation of this space builds on Wentworth's longstanding tradition of hands-on, experiential education. By shifting the focus from passive listening to active participation, the classroom is designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving-skills essential for modern STEM careers.

Faculty members, including Professors Mami Wentworth and Mel Henriksen, and members of the university's Facilities team have been instrumental in championing this shift toward active learning. University officials note that student engagement is significantly higher in these inclusively designed spaces, with research showing that students working at vertical whiteboards collaborate more readily and share ideas more quickly.

In feedback collected on active-learning classrooms, students noted, "Doing things out and explaining things to groupmates helped me organize my thoughts," and that "it is good for when you get stuck and you can look to what other people are doing and see where you went wrong."

A Commitment to Student Success

This project is aligned with the university's Strategic Plan and its commitment to Inclusive Excellence. Wentworth is making continued investments in new and existing facilities to meet the evolving needs of all learners. Spaces like the new Wentworth Hall classroom are critical to ensuring all students can reach their full potential.

The pilot classroom joins six other spaces on campus previously converted to active learning formats, which have been utilized for more than 85% of available time due to high demand from both faculty and students.