Leveraging creativity to engage students in an agile ecology for learning

Authors

  • Megan Y.C. Alexandria Kek University of New South Wales
  • Henk Huijser Queensland University of Technology
  • Lindy Abawi University of Southern Queensland
  • Jill Lawrence University of Southern Queensland

Abstract

This article explores the concept of an agile ecology for learning and its potential in leveraging creativity to engage students. Creativity is both seen as something that students bring with them from different part of their lives, across different formal and informal learning environments, but it is also seen as something that can be encouraged and developed through deliberate design of learning experiences and environments. The agile ecology for learning is fundamentally about blurring boundaries between informal and formal learning environments. A case study of a Closed Facebook group managed by students is used as a case study to illustrate the potential of using an agile ecology for learning as the underlying ‘map’ for learning design. If done well, we argue that this allows us to leverage creativity in students as both a tool of engagement and a crucial component in the development of a way of being for students whereby using their creativity in critically reflective ways becomes the norm.

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Author Biographies

Megan Y.C. Alexandria Kek, University of New South Wales

She is an Associate Professor and Academic Director of Student Academic and Career Success. Her research is in problem-based learning, student development and educational environments.

Henk Huijser, Queensland University of Technology

He is a senior lecturer and has 15 years’ experience in academic development in Australia, the Middle East and China. He has widely published in the higher education sector.

Lindy Abawi, University of Southern Queensland

She is a Professor and Co-Head of School of Education. Her research interests are school improvement, student voice, distributed leadership, creativity and learnin, and pre-service education.

Jill Lawrence, University of Southern Queensland

She is a Professor and Head of School, Humanities and Communication. Her research interests are higher education research, first year experience, access and equity issues and cross-cultural communication.

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Published

2019-11-08

How to Cite

Kek, M. Y. A., Huijser, H., Abawi, L., & Lawrence, J. (2019). Leveraging creativity to engage students in an agile ecology for learning. Student Engagement in Higher Education Journal, 2(3), 138–153. Retrieved from https://sehej.raise-network.com/raise/article/view/880

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2019): Special Edition: Creativity in Student Engagement

Section

Creativity special issue

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