The Charismatic Lecturer article from Workshop 1, related to Teaching Digital Technical Adobe Photoshop Skills.
Macfarlane’s (2004) exploration of “The Charismatic Lecturer” in “Teaching with Integrity: The Ethics of Higher Education Practice” delves into the multifaceted role of tutors in inspiring and engaging students.
Charismatic pedagogy, as elucidated by Macfarlane (2004), encompasses qualities such as passion, authenticity, and the ability to inspire, which transcend traditional instructional methods. Whilst I would not claim to be Charismatic, Macfarlane’s definition of ‘The Charismatic Lecturer’ has a resonance for me because I want to enhance student engagement and attendance in what could be seen as ‘dry’ sessions of Technical Knowledge Transferrance from Tutor to Student, by being approachable and available to students, just another human in the room, and teaching in a relatively non-hierarchical way. Being open to discussion, including discussing Context and Relevance to students’ work and Industry, are key to this to give students motivation to learn practical technical proficiency.
When I teach Adobe Photoshop technical skills, the focus lies on imparting technical proficiency and conceptual understanding rather than eliciting emotional responses or personal connections. While being approachable and available for open ended discussion as a tutor can create a conducive learning environment, effective teaching of digital technical skills also necessitates clear objectives, structured curriculum, and systematic instruction. Therefore, the role of the tutor encompasses both approachableness and expertise, clarity, and adaptability in addressing diverse learning needs. This Objectivity entails providing constructive feedback, facilitating skill development, and promoting critical inquiry, which are essential for fostering competence and professionalism in digital design practice. This cultivates a learning environment that fosters competence, creativity, and ethical responsibility in digital design sessions.
Macfarlane’s (2004) emphasis on teaching with integrity also resonates with me in the context of Adobe Photoshop instruction, where I discuss simple ethical values related to copyright and AI, and critical thinking skills to navigate the complexities of digital design practice responsibly, beyond the technical aspects.
References:
- Macfarlane, B. (2004). Teaching with Integrity: The Ethics of Higher Education Practice. New York: Routledge Falmer.