Specialist teaching

I have taught a variety of modules that build directly on my research.  Currently I teach a year 2 option on Cultural Geographies where I explore my interests in technologies and architectures.  I've also set up the interdisciplinary year 2 course Digital Data Capture and Analysis in collaboration with colleagues working in physical geography, geology and environmental sciences.  We're teaching the students how to use a variety of new digital methodologies including drone photogrammetry, VR, real time sensors and automated image classification.  This builds on my research work around interdisciplinary methodologies. I do a bit of flying faculty work, teaching sessions on our MSc in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Birmingham's Dubai campus

I was using the lecture flipping approach even before the Covid-19 pandemic - asking students to watch lectures online in advance to leave more time in the classroom for deeper learning activities.  These days I record these 'in front' of the slides via a greenscreen to try to give more the feel of a live lecture performance.  This approach led to my being shortlisted for the University of Birmingham's Outstanding Teaching Award.

I also like to publish with students where they've undertaken interesting research within my modules.  A nice example of this is my book on VR which emerged from activities within my Playful Methods lab.

Fieldcourses

I have designed and run a number of trips over the years, including our large first year trip to Rotterdam (~200 students).  I've also run fieldcourses to Berlin, Amsterdam, Snowdonia and Coniston as well as an optional year 3 trip to Dubai.  My philosophy with fieldwork is that these visits should be research focused, with students designing their own research projects in advance which they then implement in the field.  This is part of a commitment to producing undergraduate researchers rather than just undergraduate students.  Being able to say that they have designed and led research in an overseas context has proved to be of great value in grad scheme interviews.

Dissertation lab

All undergraduate dissertation students that I supervise become affiliate members of my Playful Methods Lab.  We have weekly meetings  to exchange ideas, refine projects and hone skills as researchers.  Sometimes there's snacks...