Technical Teaching in Higher Education: Insights from the Creative Arts

Drawing on original research that explores the experiences of a diverse range of individuals, creative disciplines, and institutions, this book analyses what technicians teach, how they teach it, and the values and philosophies underpinning their approaches.

Taking the creative arts as a case study, this book provides a unique and detailed account of how technical staff teach and support learning and provides a comprehensive lens for understanding the varied dimensions of technician-led teaching. It offers broad insights applicable to all disciplines involving hands-on learning, technical skill development, realisation of ideas, and experiential pedagogies. Each chapter is supported by illustrative quotes, case studies, and reflections on how stakeholders across higher education (HE) can benefit from a deeper understanding of how technicians teach and support learning.

Providing actionable guidance for HE leaders and policymakers, alongside technicians seeking personal development within their roles, this book advances international discourse on technicians as educators, contributes to the work of the Technician Commitment, and provides language, evidence, and practical insight for technicians, academics, educational developers, and leaders who want to recognise, develop, and reward technical teaching in the creative arts and beyond.