The 'Tell Us About It' project was a joint collaboration between CLIP CETL [Creative Learning in Practice and the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning] and the UAL [University of the Arts London] Diversity Team to research into the positive learning experiences of students from a wide variety of backgrounds.
They were keen to learn from the diverse student experiences to enhance teaching and learning for all and extend the range of institutional strategies to support students effectively in their learning and progression.
This bursary scheme was designed to identify the positive learning experiences of students from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds.
The aim was to capture the students' total learning experience by asking them what helped them learn on their course, what were the challenges they faced and how they overcame them and any tips or strategies for other students about learning at the University. Our aim was to build a bank of positive case studies that can be shared with staff and students to inform and enhance learning & teaching across the institution.
Course directors across the University nominated students who had achieved to a high level on their course and were interested in being involved. Students were paid a bursary to be involved.
This scheme was first run in 2007. Fifteen students from across the University were involved in the project. The students responded in any way that they wanted and produced reflective written pieces, photo books, sketchbooks, mind maps, artefacts, and DVDs. An exhibition of their work was held at the Teaching and Learning Day on 16th January 2008, which was curated by one of the students. Each year the bursary scheme continues, and the student responses are added to the collection. Another exhibition took place at the Chelsea College of Art and Design Library, 16 Feb-19 Mar 2010, showcasing student contributions up to that point.
