Transforming the first year learning experience through research-based media practice

This paper reports on a case study in which the course coordinator attempted to introduce research into the first year media arts curriculum in an effort to engage students through an enquiry learning approach. The findings from student evaluations conducted over a five year period reveal the challenges as well as the benefits to learners. The increase in student mean scores for evaluation criteria together with student qualitative comments in response to evaluations conducted following redesign of the curriculum, suggest that practice-based research, particularly when connected to“real world” issues, can be an effective strategy for re-engaging the first-year learner through the creative problem-solving process. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings from these trials as well as suggestions for further research.