A preliminary study of practice-led research in arts and design higher education: Analysis of typology

Abstract

In recent years, it has been a trend in higher education to do practice-led research rather than theoretical research in art and design. The ability of making creative work is indispensable. However, the definition and the methodology of practice-led research have still been discussed. The definition and the use vary among countries, institutions, disciplines. It leads to some problems such as the dissemination and the application of practice-led research. More and more scholars in Taiwan began to discuss about this approach. Yet in Taiwan, doctoral theses in arts and design still tend to be theoretical research. Professors may need a certain criteria and standards to instruct students. This paper focused on literature review and analysis of postgraduate practice-led theses. The purpose is to clarify the application methodologies of practice-led theses and to view the research methodologies, research results, and the connection between practice and research. Furthermore, to talk about the pedagogy design on practice-led research. This paper analyzed around fifty postgraduate theses and categorized into two main categories of practiced-led theses in art and design, which are Creation Practice and Teaching Practice. Hoping to provide scholars in arts and design some references on instructing practice-led research to their students.