{"id":2965,"date":"2024-12-02T12:52:07","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T12:52:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/itl\/?p=2965"},"modified":"2026-04-02T10:27:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T09:27:42","slug":"nurturing-creativity-in-higher-education-assessments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/itl\/2024\/12\/02\/nurturing-creativity-in-higher-education-assessments\/","title":{"rendered":"Nurturing Creativity in Higher Education Assessments"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Jonathan Hourigan is an educator, screenwriter, and scrip\"\"t consultant with a wealth of experience in the film industry. He currently teaches aspiring writers, fostering their creative growth while sharing insights from his professional journey, including his work on two upcoming films. Passionate about storytelling, Jonathan inspires students to explore their authentic voices and embrace the power of narrative.<\/p>\n

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A Unique Journey from Screenwriting to Academia<\/h5>\n

Jonathan Hourigan’s journey from the realms of screenwriting to the halls of academia offers a unique perspective on nurturing creativity within the confines of higher education. As a screenwriter, script consultant, and educator, his experiences shed light on the delicate balance between fostering innovation and reaching the academic standards that all courses must meet. Jonathan\u2019s synergy of creativity and education started from a young age as he would balance his regular studies with developing an interest photography, cinema and reading. In this way, Hourigan’s education wasn’t confined to traditional classrooms. Instead, he found himself immersed in the practicalities of the film industry, learning the most while grappling with the consequences of his own writing in edit suites and cutting rooms. These experiences taught him that creativity thrives in the face of challenges and imperfections, shaping his approach to education.<\/p>\n

One of Hourigan’s pivotal learning experiences came from reading through hundreds of scripts. This hands-on approach allowed him to dissect storytelling techniques, unravel the intricacies of character development, and understand the nuances of plot progression. By engaging directly with scripts, he cultivated a deep understanding of the craft that would later inform his teaching methods. Hourigan’s transition from script reading to script editing marked the beginning of his journey into teaching. Sitting down with writers and working through their scripts to enhance them not only refined his own skills but also laid the groundwork for his future role as an educator. This collaborative process underscored the importance of mentorship and guidance in nurturing creativity. As a creative mentor, Jonathan came into Higher Education with a different perspective, one of teaching his pupils to use creativity to overcome circumstances.<\/p>\n

Practical Learning: A Hands-On Philosophy<\/h5>\n

Central to Hourigan’s philosophy is the belief in the power of practical, hands-on learning. By collaborating with practicing filmmakers and drawing from his own professional background, he creates an environment where students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This immersive approach not only fosters creativity but also instils the practical skills necessary for success in the industry. As an educator, Hourigan’s approach to teaching is deeply rooted in the vocational nature of his MA program. Working closely with a small number of students, he integrates practical elements into the curriculum to prepare them for the realities of the commercial marketplace. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical application, students develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate the industry with aplomb.<\/p>\n

When it comes to assessing student work, Hourigan advocates for encouragement and providing constructive feedback, thus empowering students without confinement. Rather than imposing rigid structures, he focuses on evaluating students’ creativity and innovation. By providing constructive feedback and guidance, he empowers students to push the boundaries of conventional problem-solving and explore new avenues of expression. Hourigan believes in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to fuel creativity. By breaking down silos and encouraging students to explore beyond the confines of their discipline, he fosters a culture of innovation and experimentation. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches the learning experience but also equips students with the versatility to tackle complex challenges in an ever-evolving landscape.<\/p>\n

Jonathan Hourigan’s insights remind us, that nurturing creativity in higher education requires a delicate balance between structure and flexibility. By embracing practical, hands-on learning and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, educators can empower students to unleash their full creative potential. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it’s essential to cultivate a generation of innovators who are equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with imagination and ingenuity.<\/p>\n

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Fruitcake cake danish oat cake powder jujubes caramels chupa chups jelly beans. Bonbon tootsie roll jelly souffl\u00e9 fruitcake tootsie roll jelly sesame snaps cake. Gingerbread cotton candy oat cake jelly-o candy apple pie powder. Marshmallow powder chocolate bar sugar plum chocolate bar wafer marshmallow sugar plum bear claw. Marzipan macaroon bonbon sweet powder chocolate cake donut toffee carrot cake. Ice cream apple pie pastry. Wafer biscuit brownie bonbon. Pudding muffin tiramisu powder biscuit souffl\u00e9 biscuit chupa chups chupa chups. Powder lemon drops pastry apple pie lemon drops cotton candy. Pudding macaroon halvah jelly brownie drag\u00e9e sweet roll caramels jelly beans. Cookie biscuit lollipop. Donut jelly beans wafer marzipan powder oat cake gummies icing chocolate bar. Dessert fruitcake donut cupcake. Jelly macaroon brownie gingerbread cupcake donut fruitcake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sweet lemon drops topping brownie lollipop gummies biscuit candy canes donut. Jelly-o fruitcake macaroon. Muffin topping pudding liquorice danish chupa chups carrot cake cake. Sugar plum chupa chups apple pie chocolate cake bear claw chupa chups brownie topping carrot cake. Pastry gummi bears chocolate cake. Cake chocolate bar sugar plum icing cotton candy. Chupa chups halvah jelly macaroon candy canes danish halvah bonbon. Pie chupa chups sweet roll drag\u00e9e pie wafer pudding. Souffl\u00e9 jujubes jelly liquorice pudding pastry cotton candy pastry. Chupa chups jelly beans carrot cake caramels ice cream fruitcake. Candy gingerbread powder sugar plum macaroon candy oat cake tiramisu. Souffl\u00e9 drag\u00e9e sesame snaps powder topping halvah. Croissant gummies dessert donut drag\u00e9e biscuit toffee. Donut ice cream lollipop.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Contact Us<\/h4>\n

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+44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n

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Find Us<\/h4>\n

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The University of Manchester
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
UK<\/a><\/p>\n

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Connect With Us<\/h4>\n

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