Knowledge acquisition through creative conversations

Abstract

This paper considers creative conversations as a possible method of acquiring knowledge. The paper is partly based on the findings of a recent research project within art and design education in the UK. It uses critical reviews of practical coursework on a photography degree as an example for an educational setting in which creative conversations may take place. This enables me to, firstly, describe how students acquire knowledge through these kinds of conversations, and secondly, identify what type of knowledge may be gained. The aims of this paper are to highlight the benefits of creative conversations to students’ learning and to point towards particular learning environments which best facilitate such conversations. The paper concludes with posing the question of whether creative conversation as a method of knowledge acquisition may be transferable to other subject areas than photography.