Education announces active learning classroom construction at the U of S

Extensive changes to Room 1037 in the Education Building will create an adaptable learning environment, which will allow users to engage in innovative teaching and learning strategies.

“Creating an active learning classroom in the College of Education is so important,” said College of Education Dean Michelle Prytula. “Not only will our teacher candidates have the opportunity to learn in this type of environment, but they will also have the opportunity to practice teaching in it as well.  We are so grateful to the McCreaths for their support. Grit and Scott are truly difference-makers in so many ways. I am thrilled to be working with and learning from them as we develop this wonderful space.”

Located on the main floor of the Education Building, the Grit and Scott McCreath Active Learning Classroom will be visible and easily accessible. At a room capacity of 56 students, scheduling could result in the active learning of 300 U of S students from the College of Education and from across campus daily. 

The room, conceptualized in 2017, features integrated media and technology including interconnected digital displays, as well as moveable, flexible and accessible furniture. The setup of the classroom encourages a more interconnected relationship not only between student and teacher, but also among students. In this space, there is no front and a back of the classroom, allowing each student equal access to their instructor and teaching resources. 

“It has been an unbelievable pleasure to work with Dean Prytula,” said Grit McCreath. “She had a dream, articulated it to me and I didn’t think it would be possible for us to create a new state-of-the-art classroom, but really the rest is history. It is an honour for us to be champions for education. We are so proud that we could make a little bit of a difference to create such a fabulous space for students.”

The classroom upgrades and addition of new technology are made possible through a donation of more than $100,000 by Grit and Scott McCreath.

Grit (BEd ’91) and Scott (BComm ’69) both have strong connections to the U of S. Grit has been a member of both the University Senate and the Board of Governors, as well as a university honourary ambassador. After earning her Bachelor of Education, Grit spent 32 years as a teacher and administrator in Saskatoon, Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary. Scott is an Executive in Residence for the Edwards School of Business. The McCreaths are well invested in the Saskatoon community, supporting not only the U of S, but the Remai Modern Art Gallery, as well as various charities in Alberta and Saskatchewan. 

“This project is the culmination of a lifetime of connection to the U of S,” said Grit McCreath. “Clearly, the U of S is a passion for us and to do this provides us with unbelievable joy.”

The Grit and Scott McCreath Active Learning Classroom renovation is scheduled to be completed in January 2019.

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