100 Costumes – The student experience of staff research

This session will explore the impact of student engagement in staff research, highlighting the synergy and advantages to both student and staff. The presentation will also focus on the effects of industry specific research activities, and how this professional environment can change and enhance student-staff relationships. The presentation will look specifically at Senior Dance Lecturer Lorraine Smith’s recent research project (a practical investigation into performer experiences of working with costume), which took place at Huddersfield University during her role as choreographer for the BA Hons Costume & Textiles end of year show. Two Teesside students took part in this project: one as a student researcher (from another discipline) and the other as a work placement assistant. The students (one of whom is now a graduate) will share their experiences of the project and discuss how their involvement has led to learning and personal development, enhanced attainment, employability and career progression. Lorraine Smith will also discuss how student engagement has helped to inform and shape her research, teaching practice and whether this interaction has changed staff-student perceptions. Furthermore, this session will emphasise the importance of industry based opportunities as a means to enrich and contextualise the learning experience through engagement with real work practices, as well as inspire and empower students into career relevant employability.