Workshops to explore student tutor interactions in studio

learning environments

Alison ShreeveRay Batchelor

Context

• These workshops are an outcome of an Art, Design and Media Subject Centre (ADM-HEA) small grant to examine student/tutor interactions in studio based learning

• We interviewed 7 students and 7 tutors from a range of subjects and courses.

• Interactions are very fluid and depend on situation, awareness of individuals and ability to communicate well.

• To support effective learning there are key sets of information for students and tutors which could help to improve learning interactions

Influences on interactions:

• The environment – working on live projects off site, summer schools, visits can lead to different roles and relationships

• Political pressures – managing time, resources and demands from different stakeholders

• Gender and age• Lack of interest and commitment on either side• Different expectations of encounters

The tutor’s roles

University roles1. Academic and lecturer

2. Researcher

3. Facilitator/enabler

4. Passionate enthuser

Personal dispositions9. Friend

10.Mother

11. Father/father confessor

12.Leader

13.Confidante

14.Social engineer

Disciplinary practice roles5. Professional

6. Source of information

7. Expert

8. Practitioner

1

23

4

56

7

8

9

1011

12

14

The student’s roles

15

1617

19

2221

20

22

272426

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University roles15.Student*

16.Researcher*

17.Passive receiver

18.Active contributor

19.Customer

Personal dispositions24.Friend

25.Child

26.Adult

27.Equal

Disciplinary practice roles20.Proto-professional*

21. Inquirer after information*

22.Novice

23.Fellow practitioner* New categories, not yet monitored

18

AIMS for TUTOR WORKSHOPS:

• To increase understanding of the role and importance of student and tutor interactions in learning in art and design;

• To gain empathy for the students’ position and viewpoint in the learning environment;

• To share good practice in learning in art and design;

• To understand the significance of dialogue as a learning and teaching method in art and design.

AIMS for STUDENT WORKSHOPS:

• To support student’s transition into HE studio based learning environments

• To explore expectations of students and tutors• To enable students to work with tutors to

develop learning, teaching and assessment in the disciplines