What pandemic pedagogies teach us about the value of studio practice in illustration education

This article looks at the impact of COVID-19 on art and design education, the role of the studio and its relevance to illustration education in particular. Recent research papers are reviewed to identify issues arising from the sudden move to online teaching. Rhizomatic Theory is used to identify connectivity, collaborations and communities as being of …

The problem with learning styles

Learning styles theory proposes that educators use students’ learning style preferences to differentiate their teaching, and thus enhance learning. This theory is persistent and widespread, yet there is little evidence to support it and it has been thoroughly discredited. Although seemingly harmless, belief in preferred learning styles can negatively influence students’ choice of subject, and …

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 …