Breaking the pattern: Creative voices

Abstract

This issue of the Journal of Learning Design presents six highly original perspectives on teaching and learning in higher education. Edward de Bono (1992) argued that “there is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns” (p. 169, emphases added).

If there were but one way to teach – one set of commonly-agreed pedagogical patterns - there would be no need for the Journal of Learning Design. Designing learning experiences is always bespoke – there are no formulas or predetermined ways of teaching. If this were the case, the authors in this and our other issues would not creatively wrestle with or seek to problematise how to improve their teaching practice or how to better engage and challenge their students. They would not aim to confirm or refute their observations through theoretical frameworks or empirical studies. They would not do anything but stand before students and talk “at” them; they would not share with them the structures underpinning their learning; and they would not allow them to learn by doing. The authors in this issue have done these things and, in these pages, graciously share their experiences and their personal perspectives with you