dr andrew filmer lecturer in theatre, drama and performance studies department of theatre, film and...

Dr Andrew Filmer

Lecturer in Theatre, Drama and Performance StudiesDepartment of Theatre, Film and Televisionawf@aber.ac.uk

Using blogs to enhance Reflective Journal writing

This morning• Background on the Improvisation module.

• Why I started to use the journal tool in Blackboard.

• How I use the journal tool.

• Some reflections.

Background

“Improvisation is not just a style or an acting technique; it is a dynamic principle operating in many different spheres; an independent and

transformative way of being, knowing and doing.” (Frost and Yarrow 2007: 17)

Creative Practice Critical Practice

ClassesA weekly 2-hour practical workshop

(solo and group improvisation techniques)

A weekly 1- hour seminar(historical and theoretical context)

Background

“Improvisation is not just a style or an acting technique; it is a dynamic principle operating in many different spheres; an independent and

transformative way of being, knowing and doing.” (Frost and Yarrow 2007: 17)

Creative Practice Critical Practice

Assessment‘Creative Portfolio’ = 50%

(3-5min Solo and Group Performances and Reflections)

‘Reflective Journal’ = 50%(3000 words)

Background

An exploration of creativity and process

Developing an artistic practice and a sense of one’s own aesthetic interests

Developing a vocabulary to articulate their own aesthetic interests

Background

“I refuse to teach my students how to become better performers. I leave that responsibility up to them” (Wunder 2006: 121)

An exploration of creativity and process

Developing an artistic practice and a sense of one’s own aesthetic interests

Developing a vocabulary to articulate their own aesthetic interests

Why I use the journal tool• Lack of familiarity with form of Reflective Journal.

• Lack of engagement with journal as processual document.

• Of 22 students in 2008, 3 failed to submit, 4 were submitted late.

• The conditions under which journal writing occurs “can have a powerful influence on what is produced and the extent to which writers can engage in critical reflection.” (Boud 2001: 17)

How I use the journal tool

• Weekly entries of 300 words.

• Motivation (penalties for late submission).

• Blogs kept private (viewed by owner and me only).

• Feedback provided in week 4.

• Ongoing feedback available throughout.

Some Reflections

• Telling changes between 2008 and 2009.

• Penalties range between 2% up to 14%.

• Student feedback (formal and informal)

• Useful tool for emphasising process and interrelations between theory and practice.