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Jonathan Sanderson

Assistant Professor

Department: Mechanical and Construction Engineering

jonathan sanderdson Following a physics degree, Jonathan fell into television initially by accident. He worked on documentaries, engineering challenge series, and particularly with children’s audiences, for all the major UK broadcasters and several internationals. He received an RTS award and a BAFTA nomination.

Since escaping broadcast he’s run a science film competition with NESTA; convened a panel of 250 academics consulting behind-the-scenes on BBC science series; helped launch the Royal Institution’s RiChannel.org; run masterclass training for FameLab International; and taught on the world’s largest science communication training course, in Abu Dhabi.

He continues to make films - mostly recently DEMO () - and consult on video, participatory media, STEM engagement, and science performance issues.

Websites:

Campus Address

E305 Ellison Building

Email Jonathan

Research Themes and Scholarly Interests

My research centres around 'computational tinkering': craft, making and physical exploration activities, often performed by children or families, with a digital technology component. I'm interested in the learning opportunities and challenges these activities present, and how they can best be supported and understood. How should we design computational tinkering interactions, what behaviours should we aim to prompt, and what technologies further those objectives?

I'm particularly interested in intergenerational learning, for children around the late primary/early secondary transition. Other areas of interest include equity of opportunity in STEM contexts; careers literacy; and the role of informal learning and play with a wide range of learner age.

Key Publications

Scientist of the Week: evaluating effects of a teacher-led STEM intervention to reduce stereotypical views of scientists in young children, Shimwell, J., DeWitt, J., Davenport, C., Padwick, A., Sanderson, J., Strachan, R. 3 Apr 2023, In: Research in Science and Technological Education
A Theory of Change for improving children's perceptions, aspirations and uptake of STEM careers, Davenport, C., Dele-Ajayi, O., Emembolu, I., Morton, R., Padwick, A., Portas, A., Sanderson, J., Shimwell, J., Stonehouse, J., Strachan, R., Wake, L., Wells, G., Woodward, J. 1 Aug 2021, In: Research in Science Education
Using action research to design and evaluate sustained and inclusive engagement to improve children’s knowledge and perception of STEM careers, Emembolu, I., Padwick, A., Shimwell, J., Sanderson, J., Davenport, C., Strachan, R. 23 Mar 2020, In: International Journal of Science Education
Designing for All: Exploring gender diversity and engagement with digital educational games by young people, Dele-Ajayi, O., Strachan, R., Pickard, A., Sanderson, J. 7 Mar 2019, 2018 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), IEEE
Games for Teaching Mathematics in Nigeria: What Happens to Pupils’ Engagement and Traditional Classroom Dynamics?, Dele-Ajayi, O., Strachan, R., Pickard, A., Sanderson, J. 2 May 2019, In: IEEE Access
Exploring Gender Diversity and Engagement with Digital Educational Games by Young People, Dele-Ajayi, O., Pickard, A., Strachan, R., Sanderson, J. 3 Oct 2018, 2018 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference
A modified TAM for predicting acceptance of digital educational games by teachers, Dele-Ajayi, O., Strachan, R., Sanderson, J., Pickard, A. 2017, 2017 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), Piscataway, IEEE
Learning Mathematics through Serious Games: an Engagement Framework, Dele-Ajayi, O., Strachan, R., Sanderson, J., Pickard, A. 2016, Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), 2016 IEEE, IEEE
Girls and science education: Exploring female interests towards learning with Serious Games: A study of KS3 girls in the North East of England, Dele-Ajayi, O., Strachan, R., Pickard, A., Sanderson, J. Nov 2015, 2015 International Conference on Interactive Mobile Communication Technologies and Learning (IMCL)

Further Information

I'm a science communication and public engagement specialist, having worked in the field since 1990. My expertise includes video production and photography; storytelling; live show development; training and coaching performers; and strategy development consultancy. Prior to joining Northumbria my work included a long stint as a producer and series producer in television, working on programmes for all the major UK and many international broadcasters. A subsequent consultancy career included shows for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Cheltenham Science Festival, video production strategy and training for the Royal Institution, National Museums Scotland, and the Wellcome Trust, and training for McKinsey, the British Council and Abu Dhabi Science Festival.

At Northumbria I'm a member of the NUSTEM team, working across the Faculty of Engineering and Environment to develop, deliver, and research outreach and widening participation projects. My particular responsibilities and interests include communications, digital engagement, informal learning contexts, and strategic development.