Art Education Commons^™

Re-Thinking Apprenticeship In Art Education, Kelly Nicole Denisson

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Many students face isolation and meaningless experiences in their day-to-day routine in schools. The increasing focus on standardized tests and academic performance reinforces competition and extrinsic rewards for learning. This diminishes opportunities for creative thought, development of communities, and genuine meaningful connection to content, leaving students feeling disconnected to learning and their peers. Art education has long been an outlet in which to collaborate, embrace diversity, and transform throughout the learning process. This study uses the Arita Tradition of Porcelain, its instructional practices, community of practice, and studio classroom environment as a model for apprenticeship in art education. Participant experiences …

Investigating Spirituality Through Elementary Art Lessons: A Case Study, Kimberly Ann Mchenry

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to investigate the inclusion of spirituality in a five-week art unit. Spirituality was defined as the interconnectedness with nature and all living things, with human beings and with a higher power. This study was conducted within two Central Illinois public schools, working specifically with third and fourth grade students. Eleven students participated in the study by completing the unit, sharing their sketches/artwork, and participating in an audio-recorded interview conducted by the teacher/researcher. Daily teacher observations/reflections were also used as data.

The spirituality unit consisted of students exploring the subject of light in the …