Arts education research

This module seeks to advance masters research that is original, critical, ethical, methodical, informed, and clearly articulated. The aim of this course is to develop an advanced understanding of research methods, practices and scholarship associated with Arts Education, with a clear sense of how these approaches might be applied within masters research projects. The module further aims to enhance candidate confidence, creativity and flexibility in the articulation of evidenced-based arguments, so that new knowledge in arts education might be revealed and shared in accessible and innovative ways. Course activities and assessments explore current global theories and practices associated with arts education research. Candidates will investigate how they carry and share their own histories and ways of articulating arts education knowledge in the module. Candidates engage in enquiry led peer review and support, fostering a community of research practice. Candidates engage with practices with a focus on refinement of research writing and presentations through drafting and re-drafting, inside and outside of class time.

Knowledge, the candidate
- thoroughly understands research in and with the arts, including and emphasising arts-based, practice-led research as well as theory-driven, critical and decolonial research.
- has advanced knowledge of arts as social change in theory and practice.
- thoroughly understands the key ideas behind the theories and methods presented, and can thoroughly apply these independently in research and writing.

Skills, the candidate
- can confidently plan and conduct a masters level research project.
- can confidently present research and writing for masters examination.
- can examine the theoretical options available and how they might inform choices during the research and writing processes.

General competence, the candidate
- is capable of supporting enquiry led peer review processes.
- can analyse and apply current theory on arts education writing and research in order to contribute to new thinking and innovation processes.
- can disseminate a diverse range of approaches to arts education research and writing.
- can apply their knowledge in new areas in order to carry out advanced projects in arts education.

Learning methods
The teaching is organized as 4 intensive seminars at campus in Trondheim.
Candidates will learn through the following methods:
• Exploring conceptual dispositions
• Reading, analysis, and peer discourse
• Written expression, with self and peer review
• Self-directed learning though independent projects
• Constructing a community of practice

Diverse sites for learning might be used during this course, which might include visits to urban or nature outdoors spaces as well as to different arts (educational) institutions like performance venues, museums, cinemas or concert halls. Possible entrance fees will be paid for by Department for Teacher Education.

Students’ collaborations with different arts educational institutions will be encouraged.


Compulsory activities
There are five compulsory activities in this course. These compulsory activities must be approved in order to be able to deliver the examination assignments. They are as follows:

1. (individual): Pecha kucha presentation
This pecha kucha presentation focuses on a specific research method used within arts education.

2. (individual): Short essay developing a research question
This essay offers an overview of the main research question candidates wish to explore within their proposed master’s study.

3. (individual): Annotated bibliography
This annotated bibliography gathers scholarly writings pertaining to the candidates own research query.

4. (individual): Presentation of the master’s research proposal
This presentation provides the candidates with the opportunity to share their proposed research and gain feedback from their peers and relevant staff.

5. (individual): Participation during seminars on campus. In order to complete the compulsory activities on-site participation during the intensive seminar weeks is necessary. Participation at the presentation day is 100 % compulsory. Participation at other seminar days 75 %.


Other relevant information

Self-directed learning though independent projects in this course will require collaboration with self-chosen institutions relevant for arts education. The organization of collaboration with and research at these institutions must be arranged by the students themselves.