Shared experiences over tea is a research project that investigates the impact a ceramic design project with a social and community orientated focus can have on students to develop independence and personal connections with their work. The study explores the ways in which learning through social interaction and making can benefit learners.  Furthermore, it will provide a case-specific example of the ways in which teachers can utilise community based learning to create original meaningful artwork in the classroom.

​

Through engaging with and responding to local’s stories 2nd year students of Pobalscoil na Trionóide became immersed in the making meaningful art where students became researchers, interviewers, creators and curators. By intentionally linking academic standers to the real world of the community, this course narrowed the gap between knowledge and action and between what students must learn and what they can contribute to.