Dr Carolyn Cooke

Professional biography

I am a Senior Lecturer (Education) based in Scotland. I have previously worked as a Music Teacher, Head of Music, Teacher Education lecturer (secondary, primary, music education, professional studies) and as a Research Assistant. My current role is focused on supporting the Open University's Masters in Education programme. I have an additional role in promoting and developing the Open University's contribution to the education sector in Scotland.  

I have interests in music education, teacher education, transdisciplinary learning, and posthumanism.  I have recently completed my PhD, 'Troubling' Music Education: (Re-)making research and music education differently (University of Edinburgh). 

I am very fortunate to live in beautiful rural Aberdeenshire. 

Research interests

​I have broad research interests around and between the following areas:

• The definition and use of the term pedagogy
• Teacher Education and professional learning
• Music Education
• Posthumanism and post-qualitative research
• Play / improvisation / making pedagogies (particularly as adults)
• Appreiciative Approaches to Inquiry
• Sustainability and the Arts 

Teaching interests

In Higher Education I have taught on a broad range of courses including:

• Music Education PGCE / PGDE (Primary and Secondary)
• Professional studies PGCE / PGDE including course design
• Undergraduate Primary Education courses
• EdD supervision

I am very fortunate to have undertaken school visits to moderate student teachers achievements for four different institutions, across England, Wales and Scotland and in Primary and Secondary. 

My approach to teaching is one of 'making together', providing opportunities and materials to push us to explore ideas from different perspectives, and moving beyond accepted or presented narratives.