Category: curriculum design

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How do international students learn critical theory best: through the traditional lecture approach, or through a “little and often” approach facilitated through short group discussions on given topics?

This paper aims to review the effectiveness of a learning intervention I designed for MA Illustration students, the majority international, by which they were introduced to bites sized chucks of critical theory which we would discuss as a group. The purpose was for these, which I called ‘the quotation of the day’, to be part …

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Decolonising assessment: finding the hidden codes

Decolonisation of assessment has many different meanings for learners and educators in higher education. For me, the term ‘decolonisation of assessment’ comes across as trou- blesome knowledge because I’ve so far had no experience of doing summative assess- ment, and only briefly participated formative assessment in my role. From researching the topic, reflecting on my …

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Course design: How do approaches to blended learning vary across creative disciplines post-pandemic?

It is evident that much of the 20/21 academic year has been spent reacting to the challenges presented by the pandemic. However, the research undertaken by Teams Darjeeling and Matcha revealed tentative signs of how course design in creative disciplines could evolve as a result of teaching online. PUBLISHED ON 30th August 2021 | Photo …

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Theories: How can theories of learning help us develop an effective approach to blended learning?

Despite the extensive research into learning that has occurred during the last two centuries, many educators and learning designers often fail to make practical use of learning theories. This is a shame, because learning theories are like tools that can help unlock a whole range of barriers to learning. Given the turmoil that the Covid …

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A Feast of Opportunity: Introducing Chinese lecturers to British art and design teaching practice

Photo by Scribbling Geek on Unsplash

Abstract At a time when many UK universities have embarked on a process of rapid internationalisation, this article argues that students working together in teams to solve problems could prove an effective way of overcoming some of the linguistic and cultural impediments to transnational education. The article reflects on a unit delivered to a largely …

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How might autobiography be useful in addressing the problems of gendered assessment?

Abstract As UK universities undergo unprecedented internationalisation, they are struggling to shape a plethora of cultural and social capitals into an educational environment that is fair and equitable for all. With existing concepts of social justice proving adequate, lecturers seek new interpretative models of inclusivity. This article questions whether present-day assessments somehow mirror the patriarchal …

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An investigation into best practices in internationalising curricula

Abstract The number of international students at UCA has doubled since last academic year.  With the targets for international recruitments moving ever higher, additional opportunities for international students to study at UCA have been created through short courses, exchange and transfer opportunities along with the development of UCA course franchises with partnership universities. As a …

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Power to the people: how should universities position community in curriculum design?

Abstract Since the publication of the theory of communities of practice, much has been written about the potential for participation in a community to enhance learning. Many students now entering university are regular participants in numerous online and blended communities due to social networking, a phenomenon based around participation and information exchange. But upon arrival …

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