Sounding Knowledge Network: UAL leads research network on inclusive teaching and learning

An international research network, led by UAL, is creating inclusive teaching and learning environments and methods through sound making and listening.

The Sounding Knowledge Network aims to conceptualise and establish ‘Sonic Pedagogy’ to address the underrepresentation of auditory teaching and learning methods.

Funded by AHRC, the 12-month project brings together an international network of specialists from the fields of Sound Art and Sound Theory, Education Studies and Pedagogy, especially Civic Education. It is led by Salomé Voegelin, Professor of Sound at Creative Research into Sound Arts Practice (CRiSAP) - a UAL research centre dedicated to the exploration of the rich complexities of sound as an artistic practice and knowledge tool.

Teaching and learning methods are currently centred around text and visual-based learning, which can exclude pupils and lead to disinterest, disengagement and a lack of participative and embodied learning opportunities that provide an inclusive educational environment.

Through meetings, discussions and workshops, the network will design sensory teaching approaches that promote participation and inclusive learning methods from sound. Researchers will design 'sonic skills' and develop a bilingual toolkit in the form of a Zine-Workbook, shareable across educational settings, and a variety of fields and learning communities.

This research aims to build the foundation for a longer-term, farther-reaching research project that will provide the platform to establish Sonic Pedagogy as a legitimate, widely applicable teaching and learning method capable to address and contribute to the social, civic and diversity problems of current educational approaches.

The research will be shared through a series of radio broadcasts, scheduled for 2023, and through text and picture online throughout: https://www.crisap.org/research/projects/sounding-knowledge/