How do we develop our research in relation to theories? Where do we start? This interactive workshop aims to open up the possibilities of theory as a space for creativity and energy, which can fuel our research. It is designed for postgraduate students, supervisors and examiners of doctoral studies, also post-doctoral researchers interested in further developing and publicising their work. It invites participants to consider the theoretical and epistemological underpinnings of their research: how can these come about, how can they are put to work in their individual projects and what the implications might be regarding the contribution of theory and theorising in research. In the course of the session we will demonstrate various methods for generating dialogue about theory that both acknowledge prior knowledge and nurture new ideas and understandings.    

 

 

Dr Louise Drumm is a Lecturer in the Department of Learning and Teaching Enhancement at Edinburgh Napier University. She is the programme leader for the MSc in Blended and Online Education and also teaches and supervises on the Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Teaching and Academic Practice in Higher Education.​ She has worked in a number of universities in the UK as a learning technologist, academic developer, lecturer and software developer. She is also an experienced theatre director and practitioner, and likes to explore creative approaches to academic development. Her PhD, from Glasgow Caledonian University, was on the role of theory in teaching with technology in higher education. Her research interests include the relationship between digital teaching and theory, critical digital pedagogy, open education practices, digital literacies and academic development. She is an editor for the journal ‘Research in Learning Technology’.