Edinburgh Napier University

Prof. Chris Atton

• Media theory in practice

• Staff research in the undergraduate classroom

• Involves ‘theory rich’ and ‘theory poor’ students

• Works against intellectual fragmentation

Introduction

• Alternative media

• Bringing theory and findings into the curriculum

• Academic and students researching together

• A progressivist pedagogy

Research Context

• Lecture begins with practice, then how theory helps

• Tutorial: students explore set themes

• Students draw on theory from other modules

• Tutorial: two students present papers

Case Study: The Process

• Next lecture: key learning at meta-cognitive level

• How did our research enhance our knowledge?

• What did ‘new’ theory add to our understanding?

• How were we able to develop critiques?

Case Study: Moving Forwards

• Research as ‘layers’: discovering and uncovering meanings

• Progressivist approach to develop critical thinkers

• Engaging with rapidly developing phenomena

• Emphasising meta-cognition and self-reflexivity

Case Study: Outcomes

• ‘Intellectually stimulating’

• ‘Allowed for a wide range of perspectives to be considered’

• ‘Allowed for the formulation of considered opinion’

• ‘An opportunity for in-depth discussion’

Case Study: Feedback

• Application of systematic and critical assessment

• Awareness of provisional nature of knowledge

• Awareness of how knowledge is created, advanced and renewed

• Awareness of the excitement of changing knowledge

Graduate Attributes

• Applicable to a wide range of subjects

• Careful application in vocational programmes

• Support for students on less ‘theory rich’ programmes

• Capturing new research without sacrificing depth for breadth

Future Development Potential