Abstract:

The presentation discusses a project on the theme of ‘I Love learning’, supported by the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at Manchester Metropolitan University, which focuses on encouraging creativity in teaching and learning support to motivate and engage students. The project used both first and second person action research to explore methods that encourage creativity in teaching and learning support to motivate and encourage students.

We worked collaboratively as a group of four co-researchers: academic and support staff from different disciplines, to explore our practice. Through co-operative inquiries, we invited other staff and students to explore creativity in Higher Education.

We introduced various creative approaches within teaching and learning, such as:
• the use of alternative environments for learning to enhance engagement and participation
• playing music in the session to create a relaxed atmosphere and to help students to get involved with the tasks
• creating stories to engage students with the process of developing critical thinking
• use of metaphors of growing plants within the professional development to enhance motivation
• use of social media and technology to connect outside the classroom and to enhance collaboration

In the cooperative inquiries, we invited students and staff: academic, support, administrative, to participate in the activities, to reflect on their participation and to discuss how the experienced creative approaches can be developed further. We placed the activities into a metaphoric ‘chocolate box’ of creative ideas that teaching or support staff can choose from to create an engaging and inspiring environment for learning. The ‘chocolate wrapper’ will offer instructions, allowing easiness of embedding new approaches in practice.

The project demonstrated that collaborative working involving all agents in learning is an important part of developing creativity in Higher Education. Action research methodology: cycles of action and reflection incorporated within the project were beneficial to the development of our teaching and learning styles. The opportunity to inquire into our daily practice in teaching and supporting students through regular cycles of reflection and action, in a supportive and reflective atmosphere, proved to be a fruitful source of ongoing creativity. Action Research methodology served as an empowering tool for staff and students involved, who developed new initiatives and approaches that enhance the student experience.

Keywords:

Creativity, action research, collaboration, student experience.