Reflecting on practice: Networking at the Creativity Café, sharing knowledge around creativity in teaching

Since May 2007 a TQEF (Teaching Quality Enhancement Fund) project on Creativity and Innovation in Teaching in Higher Education has been running at the University of Huddersfield, based in the School of Education and Professional Development. The purpose of this project has been to develop and promote creative and innovative teaching of academic staff across the University.
One of the major findings has been the recognition that extensive creative and innovative teaching is already taking place, but at present staff know little of the developments in their department, let alone elsewhere in the university. Creativity Cafés have been organised to offer an opportunity for academic staff to network informally, and to share knowledge with colleagues around creativity in teaching. The positive feedback from these events has been overwhelming, and the sharing of good practice has encouraged staff from different disciplines to network, as well as enhance their own professional development.