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Find out how to submit your Festival of Learning 2016 Proposal

Festival of Learning, Knowledge Exchange, R & KE Operations

The Festival of Learning enters its fourth year in 2016 and will be running from Saturday 25 – Wednesday 29 June. It’s a fantastic public engagement opportunity for BU to showcase the great research coming out of the university. The call for proposals is now open and the process for submitting an application is simple:

  1. Think of an idea for an event that demonstrates your research – will it be innovating and interesting to members of the public? Watch our video from 2015 for some inspiration.
  2. Decide if you want your event to be a bookable event that people can sign up for or whether you’d like a run a stall or drop in activity instead (i.e. an activity based on passing traffic rather than pre-bookings)
  3. Consider who you want to be your target audience (adults, families, businesses etc.)
  4. Consider whether your event meets the Festivals objectives, what you plan to do during the event, how it will appeal to your intended audience and what your attendees will get out of attending the event.
  5. Complete the Festival of Learning event application before January 31st 2016: see here (We are unable to accept late proposals due to the tight turn around between the call closing and review by the panel.)

If you would like to discuss an idea in more detail, please call/ email Naomi Kay (Public Engagement Officer) 61342/ nkay@bouremouth.ac.uk or click here for more detailed information about submitting a proposal.

Arjan Gosal one of our RKEO Research Reflections event presentation joint winners!

Festival of Learning

At our recent RKEO Research Reflections event at the Festival of Learning it was really interesting to hear about the amazing variety of research taking place at BU and to have them presented with such enthusiasm and different styles.

A big congratualtions to Arjan Gosal who was one of the joint winning presenters – please see below for a taste of his presentation – ‘Losing sight of the trees for the honey’.Arjan Gosal photo (2)

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment highlighted the importance of quantifying ecosystem services as being pivotal to the allocation of environmental resources though robust policy creation and implementation. Whilst biophysical and economic values are often used in conservation planning by decision makers, community ecosystem values are rarely quantified or defined clearly. Recreation, aesthetics and cultural ecosystem services are primary to this work.

 

Arjan Gosal Slide (2)A multifaceted approach using various techniques, including participatory GIS, spatial mapping, GPS tracking of visitors and use of existing data sets are explored in relation to the New Forest. Situated on the South Coast of England, it is a prime example of a historic natural landscape, from being a medieval hunting ground to a commoning system that survives to the current day. England’s most recently designated national park has over 34,000 residents and many more visitors each year. With a clear need to understand the dynamics of how people value the various habitats and areas of this national park; this work aims to provide a strong methodology for inclusion of peoples shifting views on habitats and changing landscapes.

Although a substantial amount of research has examined the connections between biodiversity, ecosystem processes and ecosystem services, much of this has been conducted at relatively Arjan Gosal Presenting at Research Reflections (2)small scales, and with a limited number of species. There is therefore a need to understand how these relationships translate to a landscape scale, at which environmental management decisions need to be undertaken. Thus it is important we don’t lose sight of the wider landscape when assessing cultural services, not just looking at the honeypot sights, so that we do not lose sight of the trees.

Please contact Arjan if you would like to receive further information relating to his research.

 

FoL event What can eye-tracking tell us about reading, writing and dyslexia?

Festival of Learning

Julie Kirkby and her team of PhD students delivered an interesting lecture combined with demonstrations for which the audience participated.

Using eye-tracking technology as ‘a window to the mind’, this allowed us to see the developmental differences of children with and without JKirkbydyslexia.  It was interesting to know that when reading we only take in (fovea) around eight letters, whereas our peripheral vision (parafovea) can take in around 15 letters.  There are also linguistic influences on our eye movements, such as how many letters, how often the word is read, and how much a word is expected.  If comprehension breaks down then our eye movements are directed back to previously read text.  Some, but not all, dyslexic people will have difficulty associating letters with speech sounds.  Also, some will have ‘visual attention deficit’.

We had two demonstrations.  The first was eye-linking to see where the eye looks when we’re reading.  The second was the mobile (Dikablis) eye-tracker which demonstrates how we encode and produce information and how information can be forgotten in between.  We were informed that it’s a myth that dyslexic children can’t copy from class boards.  Reading ability affects the working memory and vice versa.  There was a lot of great research shared and it was an engaging afternoon.

If you are interested in this then you may be interested in similar events going on tomorrow.  These include Media literacy in secondary schools taking place at 12.30pm and Third space digital learning in Dorset schools taking place at 3.30pm.threeMonitorEye-trackingVisual Search

FoL event Building Learning Power

Festival of Learning

careerKeith Williamson from Avonbourne College provided an inspirational lecture on how they are changing the way their pupils learn.  This involves programmes such as ELLI (Effective LifeLong Inventory).

Keith explained how research has shown that those with fixed mindsets tend to underachieve, can be afraid of failure, and tend not to put the effort in, ignoring feedback and feeling threatened by others achievements.  Whereas those with a growth mindset recognise that intelligence is malleable.

Keith explained the theory is based around five learning dispositions: resilience (emotional), resourcefulness (cognitive), reflectiveness (strategic), relationships (social), and risk (engaging).  The lecture finished on a positive note with a video of a pupil talking about how the programme had changed the way she learnt and had improved her grades.

Other events that might interest you are: ‘Seen but Seldom Heard: challenging perceptions of discibility within secondary schools with e-learning’ which is being held at 10.30am and ‘Gender performance in school: media vs. bullying’ which is being at 4.30pm both on Thursday, as well as ‘Media literacy in secondary schools, which is being held at 12.30pm on Friday.

Support and Celebrate our Research Success at the FoL – come along!

Festival of Learning, Info Days

Support and Celebrate our Research Success at the FoL – come along!logo

We would love to see you at our Drop-in event ‘Research Reflections’ on the 16 July – feel free to attend for a session or two, or the whole day. Come along and hear about the huge range of Research taking place across the University, and support your fellow academics talking about their Research.

When: Taking place on Thursday the 16th of JULY in The Coyne Lecture Theatre in the Thomas Hardy Suite from 10am – 4pm.
Book now

Our confirmed speakers include:

10am Heather Hartwell, discussing the VeggiEAT project

10.40am Jamie Matthews discussing the international news coverage of the Japanese earthquake and consequent tsunami

10.55am Helen Farasat discussing her research with parents of children with eczema

11.10am Arjan Gosal – losing sight of trees for the honey

11.45am Angie Gosling

12.00 midday Sine McDougall on participating in Research

12.15pm Yeganeh Morakabati will speak about her experiences of teaching in Afghanistan

12:30pm Dan Weissmann, Anna Feigenbaum, Dan Jackson and Einar Thorsen exploring challenges that arise when working with data that is hidden, sensitive or obscured

12:45pm Elizabeth Rosser discussing her Marie Curie experiences

1.00pm Lunch

1.45pm Neil Vaughan, discussing his research into developing an epidural simulator

2.00pm Ashley Woodfall reflecting on the core conceptual struggle with a recently completed research project with children and those that make media for children

2.15pm Fabian Homberg will be observing and explaining petty corruption: An analysis of the “$20 sandwich trick”

3.00pm Carrie Hodges, Lee-Ann Fenge and Wendy Cutts speaking about their project which focuses on young people with disabilities.

3.15pm James Gavin will talk about his project looking at whether technology can be used to increase strength and balance in older adults

More speakers to be confirmed – please check our Blog posts for updates!

Book now

 

FoL event A conversation about Climate Change

Festival of Learning

climateChangePippa Gillingham, John Stewart, Andy Ford, Einar Thorsen and Shelley Thompson led a lively ‘conversation’ about climate change in a well-attended event on Tuesday.  The audience led the discussion and there were many topics covered.

These focused on how some species are effected, how and when the media engage with the subject, and what impact do scientists have in reporting on climate change.  Pippa described how species move out of protected areas and what impact that has. Einar asked how do you connect ordinary people with the research taking place.  Andy explained that humans strive to increase quality of life but there is a disconnect from the consequences of ones actions.  Shelley added that we are exceptional at rationalising our behaviour.  John debated with the audience the role of the academic in remaining impartial and being a describer, an observer and being objective.

Other events that may interest you are ‘Recycling cooking oil’ at 12.30pm and ‘Earthenders: A global soap opera’ at 6pm both on Wednesday.

Support and Celebrate our Research Success at the FoL – come along!

Festival of Learning

General-banner-for-digital-use-NEWWe would love to see you at our Drop-in event ‘Research Reflections’ on the 16 July – feel free to attend for a session or two, or the whole day. Come along and hear about the huge range of Research taking place across the University, and support your fellow academics talking about their Research.

When: Taking place on Thursday the 16th of JULY in The Coyne Lecture Theatre in the Thomas Hardy Suite from 10am – 4pm.
Book now

Our confirmed speakers include:

10am  Heather Hartwell, discussing the VeggiEAT project

10.40am  Jamie Matthews discussing the international news coverage of the Japanese earthquake and consequent tsunami

10.55am  Helen Farasat discussing her research with parents of children with eczema

11.45am  Sine McDougall on participating in Research

12.15pm  Yeganeh Morakabati will speak about her experiences of teaching in Afghanistan

12:30pm Dan Weissmann, Anna Feigenbaum, Dan Jackson and Einar Thorsen exploring challenges that arise when working with data that is hidden, sensitive or obscured

12:45pm Elizabeth Rosser discussing her Marie Curie experiences

1.00pm Lunch

1.45pm  Neil Vaughan, discussing his research into developing an epidural simulator

2.00pm Ashley Woodfall reflecting on the core conceptual struggle with a recently completed research project with children and those that make media for children

2.15pm Fabian Homberg  will be observing and explaining petty corruption: An analysis of the “$20 sandwich trick”

3.00pm  Carrie Hodges, Lee-Ann Fenge and Wendy Cutts speaking about their project which focuses on young people with disabilities.

3.15pm James Gavin will talk about his project looking at whether technology can be used to increase strength and balance in older adults

More speakers to be confirmed – please check our Blog posts for updates!

Book now

FoL Reconciliation in Practice

Festival of Learning

SSchwanderSieversStephanie Schwandner-Sievers, Melanie Klinkner, Wendy Cutts and Elina Kuusio delivered a fantastic Festival of Learning event yesterday.  The event focused on how to reconcile social communities, for which the team had carried out research in the Balkans and many other places where conflict has arisen in communities.

We looked into the pre-conditions of reconciliation, such as willingness/desire, forgiveness, benefit/interest, understanding, apology/sincerity and recognition, truth, and how time, peace and safety are crucial to the process beginning.  A trusted mediator is essential for such an arena, as is eating and drinking together.Dr Melanie Klinkner

The audience role played two warring Italian families (no, not the Montague’s and Capulet’s) with some being mediators of the process.  It was a fun afternoon as we really got into character and it was fascinating to see how we found common ground and interest and eventually, a way forward.

You can find similar events taking place at the FoL with ‘Anthropology in the World’ taking place each day at 11am, and Wendy Cutts will be delivering ‘Seen but seldom Heard: Challenging Perceptions of Disability within Secondary Schools through E-learning’ on Thursday at 10.30am.WCutts

Come to the Impact by Design creative networking event, on 11th July

pecha-kucha-logo (2)Do you want to meet creative people, exchange ideas, create new ones, and find people to work with? Then come along to BU’s Impact by Design event! Presentations will be in a PechaKucha style which provides a conversation starter, a networking opportunity, and an informal night for people to come together, share and draw inspiration. And just as crucially, it’s a brilliant night out! The key to PechaKucha Night is its patented democratic system. Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up.

Featured speakers:

Saturday 11th July, 6-8pm, Talbot Campus

To book a free place, visit: https://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/festival-of-learning/events/bournemouth-pechakucha-night/ 

Lightning Talks event – come and find out about the exciting research undertaken by BU staff and student researchers!

Festival of Learning

lightning talksLightning Talks: An adrenaline rush of research

Interested in finding out more about the research that takes place at BU? Then come to the Lightning Talks event on Monday 13th July. A group of BU researchers and postgraduate research students will each provide a short and snappy summary of their research and its significance. Each researcher has just five minutes to do this. The audience will vote for the best presentation at the end, followed by a drinks reception.

This is a great opportunity to network with colleagues and find out more about the excellent and exciting research that takes place at BU.

 Featured speakers:
• Mastoureh Fathi
• Melanie Grey – brand co-creation: the experience effect
• Marcellus Mbah – the idea of the interconnected university
• Ana Ruiz-Navarro – predicting responses to climate warming of freshwater fish
• Carole Pound – exploring the human dimensions of stroke care
• Simon Hanney
• Michelle Heward – fire safety and dementia
• Adil Saeed – rust in steel
• Kevin Moloney – Media Wars: public relations versus journalism

Monday 13th July, 6-8pm, Talbot Campus.

Book you free place at: https://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/festival-of-learning/events/lightning-talks-an-adrenaline-rush-of-research/ 

Celebrating BU success at the FoL – come along!

Festival of Learning

General-banner-for-digital-use-NEWWe would love to see you at our Drop-in event – feel free to attend for a session or two, or the whole day. Come along and hear about the huge range of Research taking place across the University, and support your fellow academics talking about their Research. Taking place in The Coyne Lecture Theatre in the Thomas Hardy Suite from 10am – 4pm.

Book now

Our confirmed speakers include:

10am  Heather Hartwell, discussing the VeggiEAT project

10.40am  Jamie Matthews discussing the international news coverage of the Japanese earthquake and consequent tsunami

10.55am  Helen Farasat discussing her research with parents of children with eczema

11.10 Sine McDougall – Participating in Research

11.45am  TBC

12.00pm  TBC

12.15pm  Yeganeh Morakabati will speak about her experiences of teaching in Afghanistan

12:30 Dan Weissmann

1.45pm  Neil Vaughan, discussing his research into developing an epidural simulator

2.00pm Ashley Woodfall

2.15pm Fabian Homberg

2.30 Participating in Research

3.00pm  Carrie Hodges, Lee-Ann Fenge and Wendy Cutts speaking about their project which focuses on young people with disabilities.

3.15pm James Gavin – will talk about his project looking at whether technology can be used to increase strength and balance in older adults

More speakers to be confirmed – please check our Blog posts for updates!

Book now