Name: Crystal Zhang (Zhang, Lezhi)
PhD Title: Design Education for Eco-social Justice: Developing Object-based learning in Classroom Learning and Teaching (Working Title)
Short abstract: This practice-based doctoral research examines how artefacts can be designed and embedded in classroom teaching and learning to support engagement with eco-social justice (ESJ) in higher education (HE).
Situated within object-based learning (OBL), the research investigates how interaction with three-dimensional tangible objects can support learning about ecological and social issues, with ESJ positioned as the central contextual focus.
The main research question asks: “How can artefacts be designed and embedded in classroom teaching and learning contexts to convey eco-social justice in higher education?”.
The empirical research was conducted within undergraduate and postgraduate Design Management at London College of Communication, University of the Arts London. Spanning three academic years (2022-2025), the research involved six in-class research sessions.
The research focuses on the design and use of a series of artefacts, specifically “drinking vessels”. Three types of objects were embedded into the sessions, totalling 27 artefacts. The objects were selected, refined and created by the researcher for use across different teaching contexts.
Keywords: Object-Based Learning, Eco-Social Justice, Higher Education Classroom, Teaching and learning
Short bio: I am currently doing my full-time PhD at London College of Communication, UAL. I also work part-time as an Associate Lecturer across Central Saint Martins and LCC. I come from an industrial design background and have worked as a commercial product designer in home accessories and packaging design. I enjoy playing Sudoku and chess, and I value time in the sun, white wine, and good food. I welcome opportunities for postdoctoral or tenure-track positions in the UK, EU, and Canada, and project collaborations within related fields.
Supervisory team: Prof Dr. Ramia Mazé, Dr. Noemi Sadowska, Dr. Niki Wallace
Dates: Sept 2022 to end-2026 /early-2027
Links:
UAL profile: https://researchers.arts.ac.uk/3648-crystal-zhang/about
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-lezhi-zhang
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