Dr Gill Seyfang

Dr Gill Seyfang is a Reader in Sustainable Consumption, in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia. She heads a programme of world-leading research on 'grassroots innovations' for sustainability and draws on this to shape her transformative teaching on sustainable development. Gill is best-known for using performing arts pedagogies and 'Theoretical Theatre' as an engaging teaching tool for active learning about sustainability. Gill has a BA (hons) in Development Studies and an MSc (distinction) in Environmental Sciences, both from UEA, as well as a PhD in Sustainable Development from Leeds Beckett University. Her innovative and creative teaching has been recognised institutionally with two teaching awards and a University Teaching Fellowship. Impact of work Theoretical Theatre uses semi-improvised comedy performances by teachers to portray different concepts or theories. The delivery brings complex abstract debates to life and help students grasp the subject. Using comedy helps students make an emotional connection with complex material and results in active and deeper learning. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Not only do students display a much better grasp of key concepts after a class like this, the method also breaks down barriers and changes the way students see lecturers; encouraging participation all round. The idea can be applied in any field and has been taken up in other disciplines, institutions and countries worldwide. It is transforming teaching in sustainable development. Plans for the future Gill is developing a range of transferrable teaching resources to help others to adopt these techniques, including teaching videos, and an introductory film which explains the idea (www.ComedyInTheClassroom.org). Building on this work, she plans to further integrate performance and improvisation skills into her classroom practice to enhance student learning with transferable skills in teamwork, responsiveness, spontaneity, active listening, resilience and compelling self-presentation skills. To further influence and transform teaching, Gill is currently planning to co-edit a book showcasing inspiring examples of innovative teaching in Sustainable Consumption. Gill firmly believes that when it comes to transformative teaching, comedy in the classroom should be taken much more seriously.