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University of the Arts London

TEDxUAL: A case study of learning through collaboration

Abstract

Extra-curricular activities can be beneficial for students in allowing them to apply skills and knowledge learnt on their courses. Student societies provide an important avenue for this learning and this paper reflects on the inaugural TEDxUAL in 2015, run by a dedicated society within the Arts SU at UAL. By looking at the format and execution of this event this article explores how such experiences encourage collaborative learning by members of the team. This paper looks particularly at how UAL’s key learning objectives can also be achieved by students through student-led project work such as TEDxUAL, and how annual projects such as this, are able to lead to growth and development of the students involved in its production.

Keywords

TTEDx, collaborative learning, skill development, Kolb cycle, learning experience, iterative development

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Author Biography

Eleanor S. Armstrong

Eleanor S. Armstrong is a PhD candidate at University College London, studying collaborations between artists and scientists. She’s interested in collaborations across knowledge areas, which developed during her time on the MA Art and Science course at Central Saint Martins. Prior to studying at UAL, she read Chemistry at Oxford University, specialising in the Astrochemistry of Saturn’s Upper Atmosphere. In addition to her PhD research, Eleanor currently works as an Explainer at the Science Museum, and organises Creative Reactions – a project that takes art-science collaboration to the pub under the Pint of Science banner. 


References

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