Critical Thinking and Learning Commons: Initial Observations and Possible Applications

This article reports on the first year activities and findings of the Learning Commons Study Group (ラーニングコモンズ活用分科会), which was formed to oversee the Okayama University Library renovation. Below is a description of our visits to other libraries, class, workshops and presentation observations. Pedagogically analysis was done through the lens of active learning, contentbased instruction in language learning (CBI), and other related theories and approaches. Concluding thoughts on utilizing Okayama University’s new learning commons and promoting critical thinking on campus is provided.