The Law School history wall project
Reflective practice and artefact-based learning.
Team Members : Fiona McLachlan, John Lowrey, Richard Anderson, Lesley McAra, Lisa Kendall
Abstract
Background: To develop learning and teaching through reflective practice, specifically on the potential of artefact-based learning using the University Special Collection of architectural drawings and through the making of sectional models of Old College. The project will make use of existing pedagogical structures, namely a period of embedded externality within the undergraduate MA (Hons) Architecture degree and the MA (Hons) Architectural History work placement. Although the project takes advantage of a unique situation, where the students would be developing the work in parallel with the extensive restoration and re-purposing of the Law School, the aim of the project is to develop staff and student understanding of the value of live projects within this established framework. The cross-disciplinary staff-student team will also allow different groups to be exposed to different modes of learning through making, research and the curation of drawings and models.
Aims: Successful outcomes would be:
- the transfer of knowledge from students working directly with the artefacts to their peers and staff across the Schools of Law and Edinburgh College of Art
- a greater understanding across other areas of the University of the potential for reflective learning through the use of the University collections
- an academic reflection on the pedagogic value of the ESALA Projects office
A secondary outcome, not directly funded as part of this application, would be the potential to use the outputs of the project in a vertical installation within the new staircase that will be constructed during 2016/17. This would provide a long-term opportunity for further future learning using the ‘Law School wall’ as well as the general public and visitors seeking.