Inspirational teaching and learning: Developing and encouraging autonomous student learning through enquiry and using digital media. Mike Bramhall Keith Radley Justin Lewis

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." -- Albert Einstein So.. Let’s create opportunities for this to happen!

Inspire – dictionary definition To stimulate to action; motivate: a sales force that was inspired by the prospect of a bonus. To draw forth; elicit or arouse: a teacher who inspired admiration and respect. Inspirational Learning What is it?

Inspiration – dictionary definition: "Sudden creativity in artistic production" Creative inspiration, sudden creativity when a new invention is created Inspirational Learning What is it?

Motivates and engages the learner Supports their creativity Inspirational Learning Our definition

Addresses transition into HE Promotes - Intrinsic Motivation (Deci & Ryan, 1985) Encourages facets of employability at appropriate level and time Makes learning fun- (Challenging Modules) Inspirational Learning Why do it?

It’s real stuff!!: Embedded within teaching and learning Promotes learners professional and soft skills Develops learner autonomy With real students to gain real marks A more direct way of embedding digital media technologies into LTA Inspirational Learning What is it?

Use film making as a catalyst to stimulate the learning process about the core subject Energises staff and engages students in learning and assessment Recognises the expectations of 21 st century learners Inclusive Assessment – Disability Discrimination Act (Healey, 2010) Supports evidence for PDP Inspirational Learning What is our approach?

Curriculum planning – Is there an opportunity to be more creative? Inspirational Learning How does it work?

Students can be prepared by introducing team role dynamics Students provided with a seminar workshop which focuses on the language of the moving image Harnesses and channels student media awareness (Prensky, digital natives, 2001) Inspirational Learning How does it work?

Workshops set out to develop and explore key fundamental concepts (such as the conformed language of television, storyboarding and interview techniques rather than focussing on technical operations) Student groups are given clear criteria to follow regarding project content before any filming takes place. Brainstorming sessions and drop in support are integral Inspirational Learning How does it work?

Inspirational Learning How does it work? Prepare PerformProducePresent Task Groups Brainstorm production schedule Proj man Enquiry Enquiry / research Reflect Submit Embed Share Peer feedback Script Storyboard Edit – structure & content Edit – structure prioritise 4 P’s model

Resultant media - usually around five to ten minutes in length. (The turnaround time is usually around four weeks but can be shorter) On completion students are given an opportunity to celebrate their work by showcasing to peers and tutors. Assessment can be done during showcase event Inspirational Learning How does it work?

Develops critical thinking and digital fluency skills Provides a creative platform for student learning Opportunities to develop employability skills Student focussed approach to media production Enables the student learner to produce media more effectively and to a higher standard Makes learning more fun Benefits

Provides a source evidence of skills for interviews Learner autonomy developed (students manage their own learning and assessment) Students produce future media learning resources Not staff labour intensive Provides an opportunity for staff development Benefits

The methodology is flexible and can be used in a range of subjects Students quickly adapt to the technology Students enjoy this kind project work which means: They become engaged, more motivated so: The overall learning experience is enhanced Higher marks can be attained A deeper level of learning is sometimes achieved Benefits

Faculty of Arts Computing Engineering & Sciences (ACES) First year Materials & Manufacturing Final year Materials (polymers & composites) Final year Materials (forensic engineers) Final year Materials (degradation & surface engineering) Final Year Computing -professional development First year Making Media (Media and Communication) First year Product Design Inspirational Learning Projects to date:

Faculty of Development & Society Final year Development Practise (Property market) 2 projects Final year Professional Development (Property market) Final year History - Northern Soul: Constructing regional identities in the north of England, Faculty of health & Wellbeing Final year Nursing (personal and professional development) Sheffield Business School Level 4 Information Management Inspirational Learning Projects to date:

IL support group established in Health & Wellbeing 2007 (Now Technology Enhanced Learning group) University wide group established in 2008 Sheffield Business School also setting up SIG Inspirational Learning Special interest groups:

Keith Radley, Hilary Cunliffe-Charlesworth 2010

For further information contact: Keith Radley LTI: Mike Bramhall ACES: Inspirational teaching and learning: Developing and encouraging autonomous student learning through enquiry and using digital media.