Practice-based research is a growing area in the field of media education and is now starting to have an impact on pedagogic practices. Combined with reflection, exploring theoretical ideas through practice can be an effective learning process.
With a focus on the new 14-19 Diploma, Jon Wardle’s research has been concerned with the barriers between vocational and academic learning. His doctoral research seeks to explore the relationship some learners can have with their subject(s) by enacting ‘fan’ activities. This work (with Emma Walters) has led to the chapter ‘Getting Hands-on: The challenges of media education through applied learning’ in The Media Teacher’s Handbook (forthcoming, 2010).
The Centre’s Reader in Media and Education, Richard Berger, is currently researching how adaptation can be utilised as a pedagogic tool and reflective process in a variety of learning contexts. Richard has presented papers on his research in the US and Ireland as well as contributing to the chapter ‘Never Seek to Tell Thy Love: E-Adapting Blake in the Classroom’ in the forthcoming collection New Areas of Pedagogy in Teaching Adaptation (2010).
