Education Commons^™

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 …

A History Of Art Education At Illinois State University, Kayla Hueneburg

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis evaluates the process in which the Art Education teacher preparation program has evolved through the years to reflect the changes in pedagogy in the larger world of education. Illinois State University is regarded for its historical significance as a normal school. This thesis analyzes the successes and changes in the Art Education undergraduate and graduate sequence at Illinois State University from its founding to the current era. The program has undergone multiple modifications to provide attending students with current and informed teacher training. The unique ways in which Illinois State University provides such a service for students in …

Effects Of Integrating Postmodern Theory And Visual Culture Into The Art Curriculum, Kara Lomasney

Theses and Dissertations

This research study used a pretest and posttest, classroom discussion, student artwork and artist statements, and interview responses to determine whether integrating postmodern theory and visual culture into the art curriculum encouraged students to think critically. Study participants included eight students at a public junior high school in southwest suburb of Chicago, IL. Overall, students' posttest responses were slightly more thorough and better written. In general, participants agreed that learning about contemporary artists inspired them and helped give them ideas. In an effort to help students think more critically, the study recommends that the art classroom incorporate postmodern theory and …

Progress As A Student Teacher: An Autoethnography, Adrielle J. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

120 Pages

This autoethnographic action-research study was developed over an eight-week student teaching placement at a junior high school in Central Illinois. The participants in the study included my cooperating teacher and university supervisor as well as students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade art classes. The purpose of this study was to discover how I developed as a classroom art teacher during an eighth-week student teaching placement and to analyze the successes and failures of my teaching methods used during my student teaching placement, which included student centered teaching, the use of visual process diaries, allowing and encouraging mistakes, …