PAINT: Self study Research Investigating Possibilities and Pitfalls of Arts Integration

Abstract

Developing an arts-rich practice is an ongoing process that must be sustained with ongoing professional development. Research indicates that professional learning communities (PLCs) have considerable potential for teachers’ continuing professional development as they foster collaborative learning among colleagues. Informed by theories concerning continuing professional development, interdisciplinarity and self-study research, this SCoTENS sponsored project involving arts educator lecturers from Marino Institute of Education, Stranmillis University College, Belfast and Dublin City University explores the value of integrated arts (cross-curricular integration or linkage within the arts alone) from a teacher educator professional development perspective. Adopting a self-study approach, researchers’ compare PAINT, - The Possibilities and Pitfalls of Arts Integration - in the teacher education programmes of Marino Institute of Education (MIE) and Stranmillis University College (SUC).