Dr Andrew Filmer Lecturer in Theatre, Drama and Performance Studies Department of Theatre, Film and Television 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 Classes A 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 Penalties range between 2% up to 14%. Student feedback (formal and informal) Useful tool for emphasising process and interrelations between theory and practice.