Our presentation showcases pedagogical action research which investigates and reflects on ways in which global communities can be created in a hybrid learning environment in Art and Design Higher Education. Our pedagogical methodology extracts and extends psychogeographic practices initiated by Guy Debord and the Situationists International to include contemporary feminist and digital conceptual perspectives.
From our position as educators on a “foundational” programme that prepares post-graduate students for UK art and design postgraduate education we share our five-year journey from an in-person only teaching context to becoming a hybrid learning environment where both in-person and online students are taught simultaneously. We do this through the perspective of one teaching session ‘Extending Psychogeography and the Derive’. Aiming to demonstrate one approach to the democratisation of pedagogy, our paper unravels what it means to create an inclusive global pedagogical community for both students and teaching faculty.
Guided by the question “How can we create community within the teaching cohort?”, the paper begins by drawing on our values as educators, inspired by Kathleen Fitzpatrick’s pedagogical approaches, particularly generous thinking and community as a site of solidarity. We then outline the teaching session and activities undertaken showing necessary adaptations to hybrid learning. We show how students are encouraged to share cultures, contexts and perspectives through undertaking a “derive” and peer-collaboration to create a single art/design outcome. Student feedback on the session and the notion of community within the course is shared. The paper ends with our reflections and thoughts on future practice.

Authors:
Aleya James, Royal College of Art, United Kingdom
Kyung Hwa Shon, Royal College of Art, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Aleya James is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Royal College of Art and Design, London in United Kingdom
Dr. Kyung Hwa Shon is a Tutor (Research) at the Royal College of Art. She is a cross-disciplinary artist and researcher.
Her art practice explores urban spaces, Psychogeography, walking and public sphere in post-colonial and non-western contexts.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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