Arts Education Research

In this course candidates learn how to navigate a broad field of arts education research, and to develop a project description for the candidate’s own master’s thesis. This module seeks to advance master’s research that is original, critical, ethical, methodical, informed, and clearly articulated. The course further aims to enhance candidate confidence, creativity, and ability to critically assess arts education research. Throughout the course the candidates will experience how arts education research can develop, be shared and contribute to processes of change. Course activities and assessments explore current global theories and practices associated with arts education research. The candidates engage in inquiry led peer review and support, fostering a community of research practice. The candidates gain experience in presenting and developing their own research ideas throughout the course. 

Knowledge

The student

• thoroughly understands research methodologies 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 theories and methods in arts education research presented.

Skills 

The student can

• confidently plan a masters level research project
• confidently present own master research in written, verbal and multimodal ways
• argue for methodological choices in their own master’s proposal
• examine the methodological options available and how they might inform choices during the research and writing processes.

General competence

The student

• is capable of supporting enquiry led peer review processes
• can engage with current methodologies and theories within arts education research
• can disseminate a diverse range of approaches to arts education research and writing.

The teaching is organized as part of the MGLU education with master’s in music or arts & craft on campus in Trondheim. 

Candidates will learn through the following methods:

• Workshops, collaborations, and constructing a community of practice
• Reading, analysis, and peer discourse 
• Develop own master’s project design
• Self-directed learning 
• Visual designs

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.