Norwegian STEAM Adventure for DkIT Music Students

Researchers from the Department and the Creative Arts Research Centre have been collaborating with colleagues from WNU for over six years on Erasmus+ funded projects and the partnership has been very fruitful. The current project is entitled: Strategic Partnership: Agents of Change in Education (SPACE) and has involved a number of international stakeholders including the European Space Agency.

For the recent week in Norway, the team worked on specific intellectual outputs that will inform and enhance future educational practices that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. The SPACE project allows students to gain valuable international cultural experiences and develop their communication and groupwork skills as part of a transnational partnership. In addition to focused workshops, students also took the opportunity to jam and share music while staff shared ideas on curriculum development and approaches to teaching and learning.

Commenting on his experience, Year 3 music student Conor Walsh stated;

“It was incredibly working alongside other students from different countries. I got the chance to collaborate with some amazing people and made some great friends along the way. The trip has been an eye opener and I am honoured to be a part of the project.”

Noting the diversity of enjoyable experiences that approached learning in alternative ways, classmate Ciara Brannigan reflected:

“The trip had many great aspects to it, especially when we got to cook our own hot dogs a on a camp fire! I feel that the trip has benefited me in ways that I can use in my future career.”

Final year student on the BA (Hons) Applied Music programme Aoibh Collier, who is completing an undergraduate dissertation on STEAM education, commented:

“Our trip to Norway was an amazing experience, I got the opportunity to work with students across Europe exploring STEAM Education. During the IP Programme I took part in workshops, activities, lesson plans and field trips exploring STEAM Education and experiencing Norwegian culture and traditions. The skills I gained through the IP Programme will greatly benefit me in the future.”

The role and importance of the arts and creativity in education is a cornerstone of our European projects and informs learning, teaching and research at DkIT. The SPACE project will conclude in 2019 and the results of the research will be disseminated through events and publications that will inform future international developments in STEAM education.

For more information contact:

Dr Adèle Commins

Head of Department of Creative Arts Media and Music

E: adele.commins@dkit.ie

Or visit:

Creative Arts Media Music