Institute for Performing Arts Development

Learning and Teaching

Commitment to high-quality Learning and Teaching is at the heart of IPAD’s approach to the Performing Arts. The recognition (soon to be a requirement) that all staff working in HE should have a formal teaching qualification is evidence of the professionalisation of teaching and learning in the sector. All members of the IPAD staff either hold or are working towards a PGCert, with many also Associates or Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. The scholarship of teaching and learning plays a key part in the research activity of the department, with staff presenting papers at national and international conferences.

One innovation that IPAD are spearheading in the sector is the engagement with Practice as Research at undergraduate level. This relatively newly formed and understood approach to artistic and intellectual engagement has gained currency in Post Graduate studies, but as yet remained in that domain. All IPAD programmes, regardless of level, engage with the notion of Practice as Research; where ‘thinking and doing’ are inherently bound together and where learning is constituted as a broad-ranging practice that is both physical and intellectual.

Teaching Methods & Learning Environment:

IPAD utilises an Art School approach to teaching and learning, where creative practice and intellectual interrogation are bound together. We offer the tools you need for learning and the setting in which to try them out. Thus a mature and committed approach is demanded of our students – you will learn to think and do for yourself, employing a broad range of practical and critical tools, which we will put at your disposal throughout your study. Your programme of study is broken down into modules, and in any one of these you may come across the following teaching methods:

• Field Trip – travelling beyond the campus to experience and experiment with learning is other environments
• Large group – sometimes you will need to engage with all of your peers in discussion, development of ideas, both practically and theoretically
• Lecture – this is the traditional University teaching method, we still sue lectures to give you a broad overview of historical and contextual practices and ideas in your subject
• Masterclass – invited expert practitioners will teach intensive sessions focusing on specific areas of practice and technique
• Seminar – discussion and debate are key to your development as a practitioner. Hone your critical and debating skills with your peers
• Small group - sometimes you will need to engage with a smaller number of your peers in discussion, development of ideas, both practically and theoretically
• Tutorial –one to one meetings with your module leader will help you to focus your ideas both for written and practical assignment
• Workshop – the workshop is where you make things. For arts practitioners the process of developing ideas over time is crucial. Make mistakes, repeat attempts and grapple with your work here.

Learning Environment:

IPAD programmes are delivered across two sites – our Docklands Campus and Stratford Circus.

Docklands:

The teaching team have their offices at Docklands, so this is where you will have tutorials, as well as more traditional teaching that utilises lecture theatres and seminar rooms. The Docklands Campus is also home to the Media Production Centre (MPC), library and student accommodation.

Stratford Circus:

Stratford Circus is East London’s dynamic performing art centre offers a modern, user-friendly venue with top quality performances, inspiring courses and stunning facilities. IPAD is a partner in the building, and many of the practical classes are taught in the professional surroundings and studios of Stratford Circus. There are changing facilities with showers, and an award-winning restaurant ‘Circus Eats’.

Beyond the classroom:

Additionally you will be expected to access learning and teaching through the use of new media and online resources that expand your learning networks beyond the classroom, including:

UEL+

Wikis

Facebook

Turnitin

Podcasts

---

© 2010