INTRODUCTION

The need for having a place to stay after office or school hours yet still aiming to remain

productive brought the rise of learning spaces. Gandini (n.d.) defined learning spaces as “shared

workplaces utilized by different sorts of knowledge professionals, mostly freelancers, working in

various degrees of specialization in the vast domain of the knowledge industry." When

visualizing learning spaces, it is thought to be an area with desks to work on and internet

connection that allows you an individual to work alongside peers, usually from the same

background.

The area or space where a student studies is just as important as what is being studied.

Monahan (2002) coined the term built pedagogy which is defined as the architectural

embodiments of educational philosophies. He explained that the style of a space affects the

learning done within the said space. Giving importance to the space itself will not only benefit

the students making use of the area but also the business owners that offer service to their

customers.

Lately, learning spaces have been emerging from left and right and it is having a major

impact on students and customers when deciding where to study or work. Although working in

these spaces is already known to be advantageous and beneficial, business owners still have little

to no knowledge of how to design these spaces to attract customers yet still providing them with

the optimal experience that they seek (Bouncken, 2016).

It also gives an avenue for students to become more effective with their studies and a

meeting place for group activities and discussion especially in doing term papers or research
papers considering the convenience, comfortability, internet access and other services offered by

this co-working spaces (Spreitzer et al., 2015). To further explain what affects the choice of

individuals in choosing which co-working space to go, the researchers would determine the

factors that influence students’ choice of co-working space in Iloilo City as they are mostly the

customers in today’s era and what do they get in studying or staying in these places.

Statement of the Problem

This research on the effects of students’ perception and dissimilarities of learning spaces

when choosing a study hub in Iloilo City will be conducted to determine how students perceive

learning spaces. This will also examine the differences between each learning space to identify

the prevailing factors that would appeal to the customers in choosing where to study.

Specifically, the study aims to answer the following problems:

1. How do students define learning spaces?

2. What are the categories of learning spaces in Iloilo City?

3. What are their perceptions about each type of learning space?

4. What are the differences of each type of learning space in terms of location, ambiance,

facilities, food and beverages, capacity, service hours?

5. What is the level of satisfaction in studying in each co-working space in terms of

location, ambiance, facilities, food and beverages, capacity, service hours?

Significance of the Study

 This study will help students differentiate and select the most suitable learning space that

will be able to provide them a comfortable and convenient study environment. Eventually, it will

help them improve their study habits and excel academically. Also, the researchers hope to

encourage managers to be competitive in their industry with the provided insights about the

factors affecting students' choice in studying at a desired study hub. These insights will serve as a

baseline for entrepreneurs and managers to formulate innovative strategies and techniques to

increase the firm's target market and consequently, the growth of the business.

With these, the researchers expect to provide the study with credible facts and be more

resourceful and studious in the field to benefit other researchers who might be conducting similar

studies. If so, they will be able to obtain background information from the results that will be

extracted from this research to supplement their own.

Scope and Limitations

This study will focus on determining the perception of students about learning space and

differentiating these spaces which are present in Iloilo City. This study will not cover

establishments that have an hourly rate of more than 50 pesos per hour. It will also cover those

that do not offer food and beverages and the inclusion of charging and wireless internet

connection. The gathering of data will be done by administering a survey questionnaire to thirty

random college-level students through an online link.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Definition of Learning Spaces

 Based on a survey conducted by Donkai et al. (2013), the definition of a learning space

ranges from a classroom with an internet connection to a formal study area that provides

different kinds of facilities, equipment, and resources that cater to the students' needs in a single

location. The multiplicity of definitions may be due to the sudden introduction of several

learning spaces hence the difficulty of arriving on a single clear and precise meaning of what it

is. Donkai, Toshimori, and Mizoue’s (2013) article defines learning spaces but frequently

interchanges the terms “information commons” or “learning commons” with it.

Gandini (n.d.) also defined learning spaces as “shared workplaces utilized by different

sorts of knowledge professionals, mostly freelancers, working in various degrees of

specialization in the vast domain of the knowledge industry." When visualizing learning spaces,

it is thought to be an area with desks to work on and internet connection that allows you an

individual to work alongside peers, usually from the same background.

Coffee Shops as Learning Spaces

Most of the research available are focused on formal learning spaces such as private and

public libraries and commercial study centers. However, may it be due to resourcefulness or to

the lack of aforementioned formal learning spaces in an individual’s area but establishments such

as coffee shops have been gaining recognition as being an informal learning space that students

frequent at (Hunter & Cox, 2014).

Academic Libraries as Learning Spaces

Walton (2006) listed some of the reasons why library is used: To access resources, to use

learning space; and to benefit from the environment. Cannell (2007) on his own part noted that
library is used as a place to find books/electronic resources, get help to work, use e-learning

resources, celebrate research and meet together. Library is a convenient place for students to

revise for examinations, study coursework and research. Students are able to use books and

electronic information simultaneously. Learning space of varying purposes are provided like

carrels which are sound proof, study rooms which may be noisy, rooms for serious work and

group work/assignment. The learning environment in the library should be attractive enough to

study better than the home environment. It should be quiet and with no distraction.

Freeman (2005) emphasised that academic library as a place holds a unique position on

campus as it symbolically and physically represents the academic heart of an institution. He

maintained that its architectural expression and citing continue to reflect the unique legacy and

traditions of institutions of which it is a part. A good academic library building as a place is

expected to provide flexible learning space and traditional reading rooms that encourages

learning and scholarship. While some groups are regarding the Library as a “deserted library”

(Carlson, 2001) and arguing that it is no more relevant in this virtual era, others are maintaining

the ground that library is still a place to use for study, learning and research. Smith et al. (2005)

cited by Ugwuanyi et al. (2011) corroborate this statement that “library is still indispensable as a

place or base for teaching, learning and research in the digital age.” Essentially, what has taken

place is that the importance of Library space is shifting from the content on our shelves to how

students use and learn in our space.

Learning Space and Students

 The physical, and/or virtual, characteristics of learning spaces play a strong role in their

effectiveness and, by impacting student learning, on society, as Winston Churchill stated: "we

shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us."

The importance of interactions between individuals and their environment have long been

established by Kurt Lewin's field theory and life space, Urie Bronfenbrenner's concept of

microsystem, Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger's situated learning theory, and others (Kolb &

Kolb, 2005). Research conducted by Brooks (2012) continues to show us that active learning,

and learning spaces configured to support active learning, contribute to more effective learning

and encourage different methods of instruction.

In the article published by Rémy Cagnol (2013), “Will Coworking Spaces be the New
Classrooms?” he cited that there’s a natural connection between school and coworking by noting
that students are used to study and work on their assignments at coffee shops, academic libraries
and other public places. A coworking space would be a natural alternative for students because it
would somehow merge their familiar spaces like home and school. A coworking environment as
a classroom would allow students to work and learn with the benefits of regular coworkers
(Cagnol, 2013). That means working in a comfortable and informal space; work and study when
and for as long as they need; get familiar with the local entrepreneurship ecosystem; learn by
experience and observation from the community; put theory into practice; and the opportunity to
look for internships and even employment opportunities (Cagnol, 2013).

Learning Space Characteristics

In Donkai, Toshimori, and Mizoue’s (2013) article that was mentioned earlier, they

conducted a survey on colleges and universities which asked for the characteristics of their
current learning space/s. The responses that were gathered were based on what was present

within the respondents’ area. The accumulated feedback was categorized into four: a) a simple

room that had widespread desks and chairs that makes it easier for students to focus with

minimal distractions, b) public and private libraries that offer the complimentary use of

computers, c) learning spaces with either cafés and/or vending machines present. and d) well-

developed spaces that provide advanced technology for data gathering (e.g. computers and

tablets) and equipment for communicating information (e.g. projectors).

Although there are only a few studies on what students and customers prefer when

choosing learning spaces, those that do offer information on such topics are expounded by

numerous authors and proponents. Capdevila (2013) argues that the results suggest location as

one of the main decision driving factors when choosing learning spaces. Deskmag (2013) adds

that customers prefer the feeling of being part of a community wherein the people surrounding

them have the same goal - to accomplish something. Fuzi (2015) further states that the

atmosphere of the learning space plays a big part in the decision making as some spaces

contribute an inspiring and dynamic energy that improves the work of students and customers.

According to Crook & Mitchell (2011), students set immense importance for social

ambiance when studying and consequently choosing a learning space. Ambiance refers to the

mood a certain venue or establishment sets and incorporating it with the word “social” describes

the atmosphere of the learning space to encourage discourse and exchange between students. The

interpretation of data recommends the business owners to design the learning space that

considers the diversity of students and their utilization of the space.

Learning Spaces as a Business Venture

 The students’ or customer’s preference for what a learning space has to offer is not quite

known to the business owners due to the lack of research. However, when research on customer

preferences will be conducted to determine what the needs and wants of the market are which

will also include how such variables or characteristics influence the choice of learning space,

business owners will be able to take the opportunity and base their decision-making on the

customers’ opinion resulting in a competitive advantage (Weijs-Perrée et al., 2018).

Comfortability, technology, location, service hours and food and beverages are the basic

factors that affect students’ perception of learning spaces. In traditional definition of learning

spaces, some of these factors may be satisfied by studying in classrooms and academic libraries

but 21st century learning spaces offers to deliver quality products and services that can satisfy all

the basic demands of students’ perception and expectation of learning spaces.

Traditional academic libraries provides plenty of resources, it is a prime hunting ground

for research materials, books, and even videos. More often than not, students who study in the

library have a lower tendency to procrastinate because libraries emit an air of productivity that

can help students focus on the task at hand. And of course, libraries tend to be quiet, which is

more conducive for learning to students. Despite these advantages, we can’t ignore the fact that

the library is a public space, students don’t exactly get to customize libraries to their personal

standards and they have little control over the environment. With these several problems, it

caused students to look for an alternative learning space in coffee shops and coworking spaces

which gives them the freedom to modify their learning environment based on their needs and

demands.
 There are various studies that discuss about learning spaces but most of these studies

focus on the perspective of professionals and students in general. Researchers have also found

out that several studies are presented in international context and very few are discussed locally.

Due to minimal amount of information and data in the local context and the perception of the

target respondents which are the college students, these created a gap between the research and

other existing knowledge.

METHODS

For the purpose of this study, a questionnaire was derived and was administered online

through Google documents. The researchers provided a brief description to explain the study. It

was also indicated that information from the survey will be dealt with utmost confidentiality. The

gathered data will be directed to another link wherein it will be presented both individually and

as a whole, through mathematical models (e.g. pie charts and bar graphs). The respondents are

composed of college students within Iloilo City. Snowball sampling was utilized to come up with

a sample population. The researchers sent the questionnaire in group chats and those who have

responded were free to share the instrument to other college students in Iloilo City. Those who

have responded was considered as the sample population totalling to 29. Furthermore, the

researchers made sure that all the respondents submitted their email address to ensure the

credibility of the answer.

Perception on Learning Spaces

 To determine the perception of students about learning space, thematic analysis will be

used to examine answers. The questionnaire involves an open-ended question that would require

the respondent to answer in phrase or sentence form and a multiple choice question where they

can choose from. Then, researchers will analyze patterns or themes in the answers of the

respondents as to how they perceived a learning space.

Dissimilarities in Learning Spaces on Specific Variables

To determine the differences in each learning space with regards to variables presented,

the respondents were asked to answer certain questions divided into several attributes (e.g.

location, ambiance, facilities, food and beverages, capacity and service hours). The mean of each

attribute will also be solved for differentiation purposes.

Mixed Method Research Design

This study will also make use of mixed method research design to have an in-depth

understanding of students’ idea of a learning space and to determine what are the dissimilarities

of these places and how it contributes to students’ study hub choice. Mixed method research

design is a design that requires collection and analysation of both text and numerical data in a

single study. The researcher based the query on the assumption that acquiring various types of

data will give an in-depth understanding of a research problem (Creswell, 2003).

Results

This chapter presents the gathered data in tabular presentation, analysis and interpretation of the

findings based on the results of the survey conducted by the researchers. The data are organized in

sequential order based on the statement of the problem in the introduction.

Research Question 1: What is your description of a learning space?

Table 4.1 shows

Perception Category Perception

Learning / Studying a place to learn
A peaceful place conducive for learning
a place to study which is free from distraction
a place conducive for learning
location for studying uninterrupted for a long period of time
a place where one can study well in that environment
a place where you can study and do productive school works without
disturbing other people.
place where you can work and study.
dedicated to the space its provides for studying/working
instant access to information and learning materials/equipments and
an environment conducive to learning

Comfortability Comfortable seats and vibrant lighting, one where I won't be

encouraged to sleep.
A comfortable, quiet place with wide tables and built-in charging
stations.
Chill music with relaxing vibes and fast wifi
A place where a person can study comfortably
Comfy, food ready to serve, spacey
Comfortable
Comfortable and noise free environment
Any comfortable place thay is convenient for studying
Wifi, with charging station, preferably quiet

Table 4.1 shows the results with regards to the perception of the students towards

learning spaces. The responses of the students were simplified into two categories, any place that

one can study and places that they are comfortable in. Fifty five percent (17 respondents) of the

total sample population describe learning spaces as places where one can study and other 45%

needs places to be comfortable and equipped with learning materials for them to be considered as

learning spaces.
 25

20

15
23 Sales
10

5
4
0
Yes No

Research Question 2: Do you consider coffee shops as learning spaces?

Figure 4.2 shows the perception of the college students towards coffee shops as learning

spaces. It is said that 85% considered coffee shops as learning spaces while only 15% do not.

This supports the result of the item above where they consider comfortability of the place to

study.

25

20

15
Column1
10 20

5
7
0
Yes No

Research Question 3: Do you consider convenient (e.g. Ministop, QuixMart and 7/11)
stores as learning spaces?

As for the convenient stores as co working spaces, shown in Figure 4.3 20 of the

respondents do not consider convenient stores as learning while the 26% who answered yes do

not consider them as spaces for learning.

 15%

Coffee Shops
Co - Working Spaces
52%
33% Public Library

Research question number 4: Where do you usually study?

Indicated in Figure 4.2 coffe shops, where students buy food or beverages to use their

facilities, are more likely to be the place to study by the students. Next is the co – working places

where they pay hourly rates. And the place where students least to be picked to study is on

libraries, where usually offered by universities.

13%

1st Qtr
2nd Qtr

87%

Research question number 5: Do you have learning spaces in your school?

Figure shows the availability of learning spaces for students to work into. Majority of

the respondents declares that their school have learning spaces. These learning spaces may be

libraries, rooms and other facilities in the school. For the 13 percent, their school doesn’t enjoy

any of the aforementioned.

 33% 1st Qtr
44%
2nd Qtr
3rd Qtr

23%

Research question number 6: How long are these learning spaces available for use?

In connection, the figure 4.6 below states how much time libraries usually open for

commercial use. Only few of the schools offers 24 hours of library services, some are open half

day, while most of the schools are only available for 10 hours or less for student use.

14% 10%
5%
Location
Comfortability
Food and Beverages
Service Hours
71%

Research question number 7: What motivates you in these learning spaces?

The results above shows the preference of students when they look for good learning

spaces. Survey shows that 71% wants to have comfortability, which include the facilities and

ambiance, on the learning spaces. Next important thing student consider is the service hours of

the learning space or the hours where they are open. Next is the location whether if the space is

accessible or not, and the least important thing students consider is the food and beverages

offered.
 14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Walking Less than 10 10 – 20 minutes 20 – 30 minutes
Distance minutes away away away

Research question number 8: How far is the learning space from your home or school?

The graph above shows the distance of learning spaces from the students’ home or

school. Survey shows that most of the learning space from the students’ home or school is

usually walking distance. The next usual distance of learning spaces are less than 10 minutes

away. Then learning spaces 10-20 minutes away is the next usual distance. Lastly, learning

spaces that are 20-30 minutes away from the students’ home or school is the least common

distance. Based on the results above, one can infer that learning spaces usually positions itself

near schools to be of convenience to the students.

 25

20

15

10

0
The The color of The furniture The freedom The space The area is Others
temperature the is comfortable to move allows easy equipped with
is just right surrounding is around the collaboration learning
appealing space with other materials that
students can help in
studying

Research question number 9: What do you look for in terms of facilities when going to a
learning space?

The graph above shows what students look for in terms of facilities when going to a
learning space. The most usual facility that students mostly look for when going to a learning
space is the temperature being just right, and the furniture is comfortable. Next is that
collaboration between students is easy. Then the area being equipped with learning materials
that can help in studying is the next important thing that students look for, lastly the appeal of
the color of the surroundings. Other students have stated facilities that they look for in a
learning space that are unusual or uncommon.

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Variety of food Affordable Free coffee Instant food Hot and cold Cold drinks
prices and/or iced tea water

Sales

Research question number 10: What do these learning spaces offer you?
 The graph above shows the different offers of the learning spaces the students have
gone to. The most usual offer that learning spaces give to the students is affordable price range.
Then the next most usual offer is variety of food sold, while free coffee and/or iced tea, and hot
and cold water comes in third and fourth respectively. The next most usual is learning spaces
offering cold drinks, while instant food is the least usual thing that learning spaces tend to
offer.

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working-spaces-in-Asia-A-Business-Model-Design-Perspective.pdf
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