Rachel Davis and Fiona Dowling Present at ETHO Technical Community Conference: Materials and Making Mindsets

On Thursday 20 March 2025, Rachel Davis and Fiona Dowling combined their research (Conditions For Play and Bristol Materials Network and Materials Literacy) into a 1.5 hour workshop presentation at ETHO Technical Community Conference: Crafting the Future in Riga, Latvia.

Delivered to roughly 40-45 participants, the presentation was titled ‘Materials and Making Mindsets – Playful Approaches to Technical Teaching and Developing Materials Literacy’.

Abstract:

In the face of financial pressures, time constraints, and reduced staffing in UK universities, maintaining space for play and exploration in technical teaching is crucial. Play reduces outcome pressure, enhancing well-being and confidence. Understanding materials—their origins, properties, and environmental impact—empowers students to make informed choices. Hands-on material engagement sparks interest and aids learning, especially for neurodivergent individuals or non-native English speakers. Fiona Dowling & Rachel Davis advocate for curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary learning, embracing failure to foster exchange, exploration, and innovation. This workshop shares experiences and tools, such as a ‘Conditions for Play’ manifesto, activity cards, and diverse material samples, to support playful, material-focused learning.

For more information about ELIA, click here.

To see the conference programme, click here.

For more information about VAMP member, Rachel Davis, click here.