Art-based Science Research
In today's academic landscape, there is a growing consensus that research should incorporate exploratory, creative, and artistic practices. At FNUG, we explore methods within art and design-based research and connect them with practices in science and mathematics education research.
Renowned researchers from various fields, including education, psychology, sociology, organizational studies, archaeology, and geography, emphasize the importance of integrating imaginative and experimental approaches into academic research (Svabo 2016, Wickman et al 2022).
Creative Approaches, Performance, and Design
At the Research Center for Science Education and Communication (FNUG), researchers in science education work with artistic and creative approaches to exhibition development, cultural probing, and the use of performance and design as integral and generative aspects of knowledge creation.
We embrace artistic and creative research and join forces with other science education researchers who urge aesthetic approaches and embrace creativity, while maintaining a strong focus on methodological reflexivity and awareness, aligning ourselves with other researchers in science education who advocate for aesthetic approaches and embrace creativity, while maintaining a strong focus on methodological reflection and awareness (Wickman et al 2022, Hoppe & Holmegaard 2022, Achiam et al 2023).
Art and design offer unique approaches that rational and objectivist methods cannot replicate. By delving into the world of art and design, we can draw inspiration and create information and experiences that pave the way for new paths in science education.
References
Svabo, C. (2016). Performative Schizoid Method: Performance as Research. PARtake: The Journal of Performance as Research, 1(1), 1-21. Article 7.
Wickman P.-O., Prain, V. & Tytler, R. (2022) Aesthetics, affect, and making meaning in science education: an introduction. In International Journal of Science Education, 44:5, 717-734. Taylor & Francis Online.
Hoppe, E. E. & Holmegaard, H. T. (2022) Art-based methods in science education research: A systematic review of their prevalence and an analysis of their potentials in addressing complex questions. In Nordic Studies in Science Education (18(3), 323-336). Vol. 18 No. 3 (2022): Nordina.
Achiam, M. & Evans, H. J. 30 jun. (2023). Out-of-school science education institutions for sustainability. In Amplifying informal science learning: Rethinking research, design, and engagement. Diamond, J. & Rosenfeld, S. (red.). Routledge, s. 120-130.
Meet the researcher
Professor Connie Svabo is head of the Research Center for Science Education and Communication (FNUG) and project manager for LabSTEM+
Meet the researcher
Dorte Moeskær Larsen is an assistant professor at the Research Center for Science Education and Communication (FNUG) and project manager for LabSTEM+
Meet the researcher
Maiken Svendsen, cand.scient. is a PhD student at the Research Center for Science Education and Communication (FNUG) and associated with the LabSTEM project.
Meet the researcher
Chunfang Zhou is associate professor at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA). She works with creativity within STEM education and science communication in relation to problem-based learning, design of learning environments, interaction between people and technology, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and responsible innovation.