Monitoring student creative capacity: using network visualisation to evaluate pedagogical practice

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This paper explores how research in the fields of Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Business can be applied to monitoring the development of student creative capacity. SNA research has demonstrated the value of measuring and monitoring social networks for understanding the relationships and specific social positions required to promote creative development. For example, Burt (2004) has examined the application of SNA to assess uptake of ‘creative ideas’ within business organisations. The skills required both to tie and sustain linkages across disparate networks in an organisation, mirror many of the skills graduates need for productive participation within the future workforce. The application of social network methodologies provides an approach for visualising the formation of the student learning network and hence, the ability to evaluate individual creative capacity. Although there are multiple facets to building creative capacity, research suggests that an indicator of creativity can be identified within an individual’s positioning in the social network. Thus, monitoring the development of student learning networks may afford educators the ability to identify individuals demonstrating those skills and attributes associated with creative capacity. This paper outlines a scalable quantitative approach for assessing pedagogical practices designed for this purpose.

Shane Dawson, Centre for Learning Innovation, Queensland University of Technology
Erica McWilliam, Faculty of Education, Queensland University of Technology
Gary Poole, Centre for Teaching and Academic Growth
University of British Columbia, Canada