Tag Archives: creative learning

Assessment, College CLNs, CPD, Education News, Technologies

Festival of Dangerous Ideas – free events

May 28, 2013 J. Fenby Leave a comment

Tuesday 18th June
Wild Ideas – Celebrating Failure and Success (1000-1500)
West Highland College UHI, Carmichael Way, Fort William

In the first part of the day, the West Highland Way Walkers who will just have completed their 5 day walk, led by young people from West Highland College will exhibit the dangerous ideas that grew during their journey in the wild. In the second half of the day, Outward Bound will lead a session that will explore how they have used the research on Mindsets to develop their work with young people

View Programme and Book Online

Wednesday 19th am and pm

Modern Assessment Tools to Match Modern Literacy Practices in These Dangerous Times

College Development Network, Argyll Court, Stirling (1030-1230)

In order for pedagogy to stay aligned with this seismic shift in communication, how could the ubiquitous practice of digital photography be used as an assessment tool?

View Programme and Book Online

Dangerous Assessment Conference (1300-1600)
College Development Network, Argyll Court, Stirling
Alastair Pollitt from UCLES will put forward the argument that we stop marking exam papers.

View Programme and Book Online

Thursday 20 June 2013
Learning Through Gaming (1000-1600)
Dundee College, Gardyne Campus

As part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, participants at the event are encouraged be as ‘dangerous’ as possible in considering how gaming can influence pedagogy and encourage greater engagement with learning.

Speakers include Chris van der Kuyl of brightsolid, Derek Robertson of Education Scotland and David Renton of Reid Kerr College.

View Programme and Book Online

CLN News, College CLNs, Scottish Borders

Local Authority and College CLN Collaboration in the Borders

May 28, 2013 J. Fenby Leave a comment

A joint event between the Scottish Borders Council and Borders College CLNs’ was held on Thursday 25^th April with the aim of building links across the college and local authority networks. Participants came from Primary, Secondary, FE and HE. Phil Orr, Borders College Creative Catalyst and Susanne Batchelor, Scottish Borders Council Creative Learning Manager led this initial session. The first part of the morning was spent looking at creativity in education, locally, nationally and internationally through film clips and presentations.

During the second part of the morning participants worked in groups to generate ideas using the ‘Ideas Trail’ toolkit, developed by UXL Ltd. Each group were given a question about Creativity and were asked to come up with 50 ideas.

How do we create different spaces/environments for creative teaching and learning?
How do we engage partners in creative teaching and learning?
How do we assess/measure/capture creativity of students?
How do we improve the way we teach to further develop creativity in our learners?

The ideas were then narrowed down during group discussions and two ‘Red Hot’ ideas were selected and presented. A general discussion was then held around the next steps and how to continue to develop the network.

Some comments from discussions:

“The creative process is a specialist term which needs an agreed definition so we all know what we’re talking about.”

“I love everything about teaching creatively but I’m really concerned about what exactly to write in my planning folder when my HT (and others I’m sure) expect teachers’ plans to detail every session to the nth degree. Looking forward to discussing it further with others.”

“Listening to like minded people – encouraged that teachers too could share the vision for change.”

“Thinking about my own teaching and that I do teach creatively but there is always room to improve and build on.”

“Networking, learning a strategy for starting creative thinking processes in my class and in other education groups of which I am a part.”

“Discussion of where to go from here and take it back into the work place to develop. Opportunity to share ideas of how to overcome difficulties and promote ideas further”

“Continue to teach creatively and look to improve it, also to try to encourage colleagues to be open to creativity”

NEXT STEPS:

From the ideas generated and from the feedback received, the next steps for the partnership CLNs from Scottish Borders Council and Borders College are:

To continue the innovation conversation in schools and college through further planned joint sessions and CPD
To implement some of the Red Hot ideas through pilots on schools and college
To develop materials and use processes to allow the sharing of good practice and the continued development of creativity in teaching and learning in the Borders Region.

NCLN, news, Partnerships

Scotland leads the way with its vision for creativity across learning

May 2, 2013 J. Fenby Leave a comment

We were delighted to learn that Paul Collard was impressed by the work we are doing in Scotland following his recent conversation with key players in our drive for a more creative Scotland.

Paul, who is Chief Executive of Creativity, Culture and Education visited Stirling on 17 April at the invitation of Forth Valley Creative Learning and the National Creative Learning Network (NCLN) to share findings from his international work on creativity in learning.

Together with Sheila Page, HMI, he provided inspiring input which stimulated constructive conversations about how we can better support the development of creativity in learners across Scotland.

Paul was particularly impressed by our approach to systemic change and the fact that we have a shared vision across national bodies and local authorities.

“I came away very inspired by what is happening in Scotland. I think you are a long way ahead of almost anywhere I am visiting at the moment. I think that the agenda you are addressing is of fundamental importance to the future of young people in Scotland (and hence the future of Scotland)”.

Discussion focussed on how we can best support creativity in schools – specifically how we can develop supportive approaches which will help teachers plan challenging learning environments that develop creativity skills in learners.

Attendees included members of the National Creative Learning Network; partners involved in developing Scotland’s Creative Learning Plan, led by Creative Scotland, and Education Scotland’s Creativity Review team.

The event was organised in partnership with Forth Valley Creative Learning, who held a twilight session led by Paul Collard: ‘How do we capture and measure creativity?’

For more information on the work of Creativity, Culture and Education, visit their website: http://www.creativitycultureeducation.org/

Assessment, Research

Assessing Creativity – OECD working paper

May 2, 2013 J. Fenby Leave a comment

The OECD has published an interesting working paper on research to establish the viability of creating an assessment framework for tracking the development of young people’s creativity in schools:

Progression in Student Creativity in School: First Steps Towards New Forms of Formative Assessments

The Centre for Real-World Learning (CRL) at the University of Winchester was commissioned to undertake this research by Creativity, Culture and Education (CCE) in partnership with the OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI).

The paper includes:

Why assessing creativity in schools matters

The pros and cons of assessing creativity

Guiding principles used for the research

The development, testing and refinement of a prototype tool

Conclusions and next steps

It is interesting to compare the five creative dispositions identified for the study, with the five creative attributes we are looking at in Scotland. This research model explores the following five core dispositions of the creative mind:

Inquisitive
Persistent
Imaginative
Collaborative
Disciplined

The Education Scotland Creativity Review has identified the following five core creative attributes:

Inquisitive;
Open-minded;
Imaginative;
Able to identify and solve problems;
Confident in their right and ability to influence change

To read more, download the paper here:

Progression in Student Creativity in School: First Steps Towards New Forms of Formative Assessments

Clackmannanshire, CLN News, CPD, Falkirk, Stirling

Creative Development and Connectivity with Dr Suzanne Zeedyk

May 2, 2013 J. Fenby Leave a comment

Kildean Suite, Forth Valley College, Stirling

Thursday, May 9th 2013
4.30pm – 6.30pm
4pm for refreshments and registration

Forth Valley Creative Learning has invited Dr Suzanne Zeedyk to lead the final Creative Conversation in its current programme.

For the past 25 years Suzanne has been an academic researcher, studying babies’ innate ability to communicate and connect with other people. In 1993, Suzanne took up an academic post in the UK as a Developmental Psychologist at the University of Dundee and has remained there since, currently holding the post of Honorary Fellow. She is an inspiring and thought-provoking speaker.

Suzanne has loved what the field of Developmental Psychology has taught her, why it is that a child’s earliest years have such a profound effect on their later years, including their emotional security, their trust in others, their self-confidence, their relationships, their connectivity. Now she wants to help ensure that this knowledge is spread as widely as possible and frequently acts as partner or speaker for a wide range of organisations throughout the UK and abroad including police, educators, health workers, nursery staff, parent groups and children’s theatre groups helping them to better understand the neuroscientific, biological, and psychological evidence concerning the human need for emotional connection, something creativity can be a channel for. Suzanne feels if we overlook emotional connection, then we all pay for it, through the services that governments need to fund such as prisons, mental health programmes, hospitals, fostering arrangements, extra support in schools and other services.

To book a free ticket for the event click on the following link:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/333091

For further information contact:

hoarec@stirling.gov.uk or gayle.martin@falkirk.gov.uk

Further events will be planned for the academic year 2013/14. Please keep a look out on the Forth Valley Creative Learning Website

Edinburgh, Opportunities, Science, Young People

Fuselab – an immersive learning experience for 16-20 year olds

April 30, 2013 J. Fenby Leave a comment

Fuselab is an out of this world experience for 16-20 year olds at Edinburgh’s
Summerhall in which they’ll plan the future of an uninhabited world.

Fuselab is looking for 80 innovative and creative minds – scientists, artists and
engineers – to help develop a sustainable way of life, free from the
constraints of the systems and structures we live by here on Earth.

Participants will be asked to challenge their thinking through workshops, skills sessions, talks and games; collaborating to design, prototype and test ideas.

FUSELAB 1 1–5 July 2013

FUSELAB 2 5–9 July 2013

Applications for both sessions close on Wednesday 8 May.

40 participants will be selected per session.

Fuselab is completely free of charge, with accommodation and all meals provided.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: sciencefestival.co.uk/fuselab

CLN News, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire

Sharing Ideas, Thoughts and Dreams – news from East Ayrshire CLN

April 26, 2013 J. Fenby Leave a comment

East Ayrshire Creative Minds Learning Network hosted an informative,
entertaining and enjoyable event on Tuesday 26th March, held at Dumfries
House, Cumnock.

Keynote speaker, Professor Brian Boyd stimulated discussion about the
future of arts in education and placing creativity at the heart of
learning.

Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, who
participated in discussions said:

“This event provided an extremely valuable opportunity for local people to come together and talk about creative learning. It follows on from the establishment of a successful Artist Network, which is supported jointly by East and South Ayrshire Councils. The networking opportunities undoubtedly strengthened links between parents, schools and the artist community and I am proud to be a
part of this initiative.”

Over 60 people attended in one of Scotland’s most beautiful stately
homes, including teachers, classroom assistants, parents, carers and a
wide range of artists. Over the past year, East Ayrshire’s CLN has
provided high quality professional development opportunities to members
including Garageband for Beginners, How looking at Art Can Support CfE,
Classical Indian Dance, 10-week Dance Leadership Course, Primary
Conducting and Repertoire, Scottish Ballet ‘Nutcracker’, Alcohol and
Drugs Awareness through Creative Learning, Heritage Arts and the
establishment of a strong Artist Network. East Ayrshire CLN has more
than doubled its membership this year, with over 250 participants.

“This year our network has grown considerably, both in size and diversity
of its members. I am overwhelmed with the support and positive feedback
from participants sharing their learning and experiences with teaching
colleagues and pupils, parents with their children at home and the
successful establishment of an Artist Network. Not only this, but by
bringing together like-minded individuals, dynamic new partnerships have
been formed whilst providing motivation for their own learning and
teaching in meaningful and fun ways.” Helen Duncan, Cultural Co-ordinator

The Creative Learning Networks Fund is managed by Education Scotland, in
partnership with Creative Scotland in local authority areas across
Scotland. East Ayrshire will continue to work with South Ayrshire
Council CLN on joint projects to add value, avoid duplication and
maximise resources for future events and training.

“The Creative Minds Learning Network event in Dumfries House had a real
buzz about it. Professor Brian Boyd set the scene by focussing on
‘opening our classrooms’. While the vibrant discussions which followed
exemplified just what is possible when artists and teachers share ideas,
thoughts and dreams.” John Wilson, Senior Education Manager

Helen Duncan, Cultural Coordinator, East Ayrshire

Art and Design, CfE, Expressive Arts, Glow, Interdisciplinary Learning, Technologies

Look, Capture, Create – national Glow creativity project

April 16, 2013 J. Fenby Leave a comment

Glow Learning Experiences – Week beginning 13 May

The ‘Look, capture, create’ interdisciplinary learning experience takes place over four weeks and is aimed at second level learners. Developed in partnership with Dundee Contemporary Arts it explores the use of designer/illustrator Johanna Basford’s exhibition ‘Wonderlands’ to improve understanding of the importance of Scottish biodiversity through skill development in art and design and science creativity challenges.

These experiences have been planned to coincide with Scotland’s Nature Festival and Walk to School Week. The first 10 schools to sign up for two or more creativity challenges on the Glow TV schedule will receive 20 black ink pens, as recommended by Johanna Basford and a copy of her latest book ‘Secret Garden – An Inky Treasure Hunt’.

The ‘Look, capture, create’ National Glow Group (Glow login required) provides more information.

Scottish Natural Heritage reports that it is clear that for 10-17 year olds the importance of the natural environment appears to drop with age. Around 30% of 10-17 year olds have some knowledge of biodiversity, landscapes and special places for nature, while significantly more claimed knowledge about climate change. Young people are an important biodiversity audience both now and in the future. By engaging with them today it is hoped the biodiversity message will be inherited by the next generation and so on.

This interdisciplinary learning experience will give learners direct access to illustrator/designer, Johanna Basford, a storyteller from the Scottish Storytelling Centre, artists from the DCA Community and Education team and a scientist from Dundee University to enable them to explore a series of creative challenges to learn about biodiversity, pattern and relationships in nature, visual elements and enterprise. Learning experiences will focus on improving observation skills in art and science, developing a curiosity and love of natural Scotland and an understanding of the importance of biodiversity. These experiences will culminate in the co-creation of a design to promote awareness of the importance and beauty of Scottish biodiversity.

Art and Design, Glow, Teachers, Young People

Paper Animation and Maggie’s Design Competition events on Glow TV

March 15, 2013 J. Fenby Leave a comment

Paper Project – Animating with an Ooglie Animator
18 March 11.00 am

http://bit.ly/YiJIBf

Join us for a live session of animating in the classroom, creating a character and getting going with Bruce Husband an OOGLIE animator. This animation workshop builds on the paper creativity challenges and is most suitable for first and second level learners.

Maggie’s Design Competition
20 March 4.00 pm

http://bit.ly/ZJZLHq

This Glow Meet gives teachers an opportunity to learn more about the competition and get ideas and support for teaching architecture in the classroom from Stone Opera architect Hanneke Scott-van Wel. There is a great prize for students interested in making architecture a career and an opportunity to have work featured in an exhibition at The Lighthouse.
For full details of these and other events, please log in to Glow and view the current schedule:
https://portal.glowscotland.org.uk/establishments/nationalsite/GlowTV/tvpages/Schedule.aspx
(Glow login and password required)