The value of practice-based collaborations across the third space: reflections on supporting multimodal assignments

Authors

  • Lauren Cross Mount Royal University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8558-2924
  • Sara Sharun Mount Royal University
  • Luciano da Rosa dos Santos Mount Royal University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi34.1378

Keywords:

third space professionals, multimodal assignments, collaboration

Abstract

Multimodal assignments are becoming a prevalent strategy to enable assessment of student learning (Reid et al., 2016). However, due to their inherent complexity, supporting faculty members and students in adopting and implementing these types of assignments can be challenging (Wysocki et al., 2019). To overcome this, a group of ‘third space’ (Whitchurch, 2013) academic professionals came together to design and implement a support system that considered these assignments holistically. In this opinion piece, we reflect on the creation of a lifecycle approach to supporting multimodal assignments that built awareness and deepened understanding among faculty of our roles in teaching and learning. We also share how our informal, transdisciplinary collaboration can serve as a precursor for similar projects that support students and faculty.

Author Biographies

Lauren Cross, Mount Royal University

Lauren Cross is a writing and learning strategist in the Student Learning Services department at Mount Royal University. She works with undergraduate students from courses and programmes across the university but specialises in embedded support for those in Child Studies, Communications, and Nursing. She also teaches academic writing and visual rhetoric. 

Sara Sharun, Mount Royal University

Sara Sharun is an associate professor and librarian at Mount Royal University. She provides information literacy instruction support for students in practice-based professional programmes, and her research and teaching focuses on preparing students for critical workplace information practice.

Luciano da Rosa dos Santos, Mount Royal University

Luciano da Rosa dos Santos is an associate professor and faculty development consultant in the Academic Development Centre, Mount Royal University. His research and practice focuses on processes for development of post-secondary teaching capacity, including in the use of educational technologies.

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Published

28-02-2025

How to Cite

Cross, L., Sharun, S., & da Rosa dos Santos, L. (2025). The value of practice-based collaborations across the third space: reflections on supporting multimodal assignments. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (34). https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi34.1378

Issue

No. 34 (2025)

Section

Case Studies

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