The Hugh Baird University Centre is proud to announce that two of its recent PGCE graduates, Lee Tisdall and Alyssa Capon, have been selected for publication in the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) journal, Through the Looking Glass: Reflective Research in Post-Compulsory Education.
Lee and Alyssa, both staff members at Hugh Baird College, completed their Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE) with the Hugh Baird University Centre last year. Alyssa currently teaches at the College’s Thornton College campus, while Lee works as a Graphic Designer in the Marketing and Admissions department.
Their published research stems from the Action Research Project, a key second-year PGCE module that promotes continuous improvement in educational practices through a cycle of action, evaluation, and reflection. This methodology enables educators to gather evidence and implement innovative strategies to enhance teaching and learning.
The Through the Looking Glass: Reflective Research in Post-Compulsory Education is a journal published by UCLan to showcase some of the work of PGCE students at their university and partner colleges of the university. The action research projects are submitted to the journal, a panel will then review and pick the strongest of the submissions.
Pioneering Research in Education
Lee’s research, titled ‘My Fake Plants Died Because I Did Not Pretend to Water Them: Introducing Music and Experimental Techniques to Release Creativity’, explored new ways to stimulate creative thinking in Art & Design students. He observed that students often rushed towards final ideas without fully engaging in experimentation. To address this, his project incorporated music from various genres into life drawing sessions, encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new perspectives. The results showed increased motivation, self-confidence, and originality, leading to more thoughtful and unique artistic creations.
Reflecting on his achievement, Lee said:
“I’m thrilled to have my research published. This project had a meaningful impact on my students and on my own understanding of creative exploration. I hope to expand on this research in the future.”
Alyssa’s project, ‘Inclusive Knowledge, Adaptive Classroom’, focused on making SMART targets more accessible for students at Thornton College, many of whom have Special Educational Needs (SEN). By simplifying language and incorporating visual aids, she developed a method that allowed students with learning difficulties and disabilities to engage more independently. The success of this approach has led to its continued use in the classroom today.
Speaking about her publication, Alyssa shared:
“It’s so exciting to see my research recognised in this way. It gives real meaning to the work I do, and I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues at Thornton College. Knowing that my project has contributed to improving SEN education is incredibly rewarding.”
Academic Recognition & Impact
Diane Flynn, PGCE Course Lead at Hugh Baird University Centre, praised both graduates for their innovative contributions:
“I was highly impressed with the quality of research presented by all students this year, but Lee and Alyssa’s work truly stood out. Their dedication to enhancing educational practice is already making a meaningful impact, and having their research published is a remarkable achievement. I couldn’t be prouder of their success.”
Lee and Alyssa are currently working with editors to refine their submissions, with their research set to appear in the next edition of the journal.
For more information about PGCE degrees at Hugh Baird University Centre, visit: