Edinburgh Napier University
Prof. Chris Atton
Introduction
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Media theory in practice
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Staff research in the undergraduate classroom
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Involves ‘theory rich’ and ‘theory poor’ students
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Works against intellectual fragmentation
Research Context
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Alternative media
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Bringing theory and findings into the curriculum
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Academic and students researching together
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A progressivist pedagogy
Case Study: The Process
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Lecture begins with practice, then how theory helps
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Tutorial: students explore set themes
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Students draw on theory from other modules
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Tutorial: two students present papers
Case Study: Moving Forwards
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Next lecture: key learning at meta-cognitive level
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How did our research enhance our knowledge?
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What did ‘new’ theory add to our understanding?
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How were we able to develop critiques?
Case Study: Outcomes
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Research as ‘layers’: discovering and uncovering meanings
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Progressivist approach to develop critical thinkers
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Engaging with rapidly developing phenomena
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Emphasising meta-cognition and self-reflexivity
Case Study: Feedback
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‘Intellectually stimulating’
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‘Allowed for a wide range of perspectives to be considered’
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‘Allowed for the formulation of considered opinion’
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‘An opportunity for in-depth discussion’
Graduate Attributes
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Application of systematic and critical assessment
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Awareness of provisional nature of knowledge
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Awareness of how knowledge is created, advanced and renewed
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Awareness of the excitement of changing knowledge
Future Development Potential
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Applicable to a wide range of subjects
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Careful application in vocational programmes
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Support for students on less ‘theory rich’ programmes
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Capturing new research without sacrificing depth for breadth