Learning and teaching workshops
These workshops are open to all colleagues involved in teaching and learning support across the University. Please remember to book in advance using the forms provided below.
Semester 1
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Workshop 1: Play in Higher Education: A LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop
Date: Friday 17 November 2023
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: ENV/106 Seminar Room
In this workshop, I invite participants to explore the notion of play in higher education contexts through a projective technique called LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP). Projective techniques “allow participants to reveal inner thoughts and feelings that may not be accessible through more conventional developmental modes” (Taylor & Ladkin, 2009, p. 56). LSP is a play-based technique oriented to creating new knowledge by means of 3D models built with Lego® bricks (Roos et al., 2004). LSP enables participants to disclose multiple perceptions and visions regarding a specific phenomenon providing refined and deep insights (Wengel et al., 2016). Overall, the technique consists of four core steps: 1) challenge/question, 2) building, 3) sharing, and 4) reflecting (Kristiansen & Rasmussen, 2014). Evidence suggests that the LSP is a useful learning and training instrument to develop ideas, reflect on difficult topics, foster reflexive practice, and increase motivation amongst participants (Dann, 2018; Geithner & Menzel, 2016).
Workshop 2: No Stress Icebreakers workshop
Date: Wednesday 6 December 2023
Time: 12pm to 1.30pm
Location: Online
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself. Such icebreakers can bring about levels of anxiety for students (and staff) and risk undermining student confidence and wellbeing (McPherson, 2019). Yet icebreakers can be helpful as a warm-up exercise and to develop a strong, inclusive learning environment. Positive classroom communities offer students the opportunity to study in dialogic learning environments to increase motivation, enjoyment and efficacy in learning (Kangas Dwyer et al., 2009). Close relationships with other students or an academic will also sustain a student who feels out of place or that they are not a natural ‘fit’ within their course or institution (Baik et al., 2017, p. 18).
In this workshop we will tackle why students and staff can find icebreakers daunting, provide the principles of developing effective icebreakers alongside examples of stress-free and fun icebreakers, and co-produce a resource of icebreakers, alongside workshop participants, which lecturers and seminar leaders can use in their own classrooms.
Semester 2
Learning and Teaching Forum Knowledge Exchange • Thursday 20 June • 9.15am to 11.30am • B/T/005
