DrRichard Waldron

My teaching goal is to prepare professional urban planners and researchers to lead in the public/ private sectors and academia, and to equip them with the necessary skills to do so. I believe strongly in research-led teaching that connects planning theory and concepts to observable empirical outcomes. My teaching is informed by state-of-the-art research, my connections with leading planning academics, and my own research. Not only does this drive student interest, but ensures that my lecture content is relevant, identifiable and engaging. Through my continuous engagement with policymakers and practitioners, my students are exposed to the most pressing issues and debates in planning practice. I adopt an inter-disciplinary approach, combining insights from geography, social policy and economics, thereby exposing students to differing intellectual viewpoints.

My teaching philosophy adopts a student-centred approach that utilises ‘Problem-Based Learning’ techniques. Students learn by addressing ‘real world’ problems that mimic the kinds of activities they would undertake as graduate planners. For example, in my property development module students undertake a planning feasibility study of a proposed development project  in consultation with a development partner. This approach develops students intrinsic interest and motivation, sharpens their critical thinking and enhances their ability to engage in collaboration, communication and self-directed learning.