Drawing thinking: Illustration as pedagogy

Abstract

The idea of Illustration Pedagogy initially came out of Transformative Learning Theory ‐ a learning theory that incites students to challenge their own assumptions ‐ and utilizes ideas of drawing & writing, making & thinking in the learning journeys of our students from the first day that they arrive on the course. This project explores the way, as lecturers, we can approach the design and delivery of taught modules in ways that develop the skills of student illustrators, their knowledge and understanding through critical writing practices which combine drawing and illustration. The projects discussed here are across levels 4, 5 and 6 on the undergraduate BA (Hons) Illustration degree at Plymouth College of Art. Creative education by necessity requires a creative approach to pedagogy, and we have developed the Illustration Pedagogy project using the tools and contexts of illustration itself in the teaching and learning on the programme.