Systematic cooperation for improved practice in primary schools’ design education in the Art and crafts subject

Abstract

This paper focuses on communities of practice and educational development with design education in the subject of Arts and Crafts in primary and lower secondary schools in Norway. In part, this study is based on research associated with my master’s thesis. It includes examples from the professional groups in a municipality, where Arts and Crafts teachers work systematically to develop their own proficiencies in cooperation with other teachers in the discipline. The purpose of this study is to underscore the importance of strong professional communities in strengthening design proficiencies in primary and lower secondary schools. Research shows that Arts and Crafts educators find networking and professional groups very useful for enhancing their own engagement and competence.