Crafting Connected Knowledge: Collaborative and Problem-Based Pedagogy for the Studio Craft and Design School

Abstract

This paper examines the studio C&D disciplines at the ANU SoA, and focuses on the pedagogical challenges and opportunities we currently face and how we have responded through curriculum reform. We will firstly look at the contextual issues that motivate this work by reflecting on our recent experience in which the five C&D workshops of Ceramics, Glass, Gold and Silversmithing, Furniture and Textiles, have undertaken a project of review and commenced an innovative process of program renewal. Specifically our discussion will outline and critique a new undergraduate course titled ‘Multiples and Production: The Unique Offering’. This will enable an evaluation of the rationale and impact of expanded approaches including problembased pedagogy for studio craft and design education, and highlight the significance of these to refinement of our teaching and learning programs.