Art Education Commons^™

Exploring “I Can Only Draw A Stick Figure”: The Influence Of Technology On The Creative Mind In Art Education, Tristan Stephenson

Art 895 Research Papers

Upon hearing someone is an artist, the public seems to commonly share the phrase, “I can only draw a stick figure.” To an art educator who aims to teach anyone about art, this statement may be perplexing. Even if individuals enjoy art as elementary-aged children, it appears people can lose an enthusiasm or mindset for art, regardless of ability. This phenomenological and arts-based study aims to break down why people think they cannot draw and better understand such thinking through the potential impact of today’s technology and digital culture. Information will be gathered through qualitative observations, documents, and visual materials, …

Differentiation In The Arts: Choice-Based Learning To Increase Engagement, Katie Caskey

Art 895 Research Papers

There are many ways in which an art educator teaches. However, some struggle to get students to be engaged with the subject matter or materials. Choice-based project learning can facilitate engagement by allowing students to choose the subject matter or medium in order to become more involved with the learning process. This Arts-Based Research study, using narrative inquiry and visual arts, explores the effects choice-based learning has on the outcome of a project and overall engagement within the learning experience. Students will be given choices throughout the project, essentially making it their own while also meeting the requirements of the …

Creative Aging: Living Well Through The Arts, Joshua Brown

Art 895 Research Papers

This research project discusses and analyzes arts programming designed to enrich the lives of older adults (defined here as people older than 55) using a qualitative approach with quantitative support, and how governments can fund community-based creative aging programming to promote wellness. Over the course of one semester, these research techniques were used to explore the practice of creative aging programming through analysis of state-level data, testimonials from participating artists, reviewing literature on the topic of creative aging, and examination of the artwork produced by older adults through these programs. These programs can directly impact the social health of older …

Exploring Visual Literacy Strategies To Improve Interpretation, Critique, And Artmaking In A High School Art Classroom, Abby Stallbaumer

Art 895 Research Papers

Visual literacy is an essential competency for secondary students as they navigate a world saturated with images and visual media. Intentional instruction of visual literacy enables students to analyze, interpret, and evaluate artworks while developing critical thinking and communication skills that transfer across disciplines. This Mixed Methods research study explored how the implementation of varied visual literacy strategies affects students’ ability to interpret, discuss, and create artworks in a high school level art classroom. Over a period of four weeks qualitative and arts-based techniques will be used to evaluate the outcome of the research through field notes from the researcher, …

Art Foundations In Student Digital Game Projects Within Online Learning, Isabelle John

Art 895 Research Papers

This qualitative study examined how traditional art foundations are reflected in student-created digital game projects developed within an online learning environment. As digital game-making becomes increasingly prevalent in art education, students engage in complex, visual decision-making that extends beyond technical execution. Through the analysis of student digital game artifacts, this study explored the presence of foundational art concepts, such as composition, color, spatial organization, visual hierarchy, and visual culture. Using a constructivist qualitative approach and visual artifact analysis, the study identified patterns in how art foundations were applied within online learning contexts.

Findings indicate that while art foundations were consistently …

Integrating Music And Visual Art: The Impact Of Using A Cross-Disciplinary Approach On Creativity And Engagement, Zoe E. August

Art 895 Research Papers

This study explores the integration of music into the visual art classroom and its impact on student creativity and engagement by encouraging emotional expression and multisensory exploration. The purpose of this research is to examine how access to music during instructional time can have a positive impact on student engagement and creativity. This study may also provide evidence to support the revision of school policies that prohibit student headphone use in the classroom during the academic day. Using a Mixed-Methods Case Study with an Arts-Based Qualitative Inquiry, this research examines how students respond emotionally and creatively when music is intentionally …

Artistic Thinking In Stem Contexts: A Comparative Arts-Based Case Study Of Studio Habits Of Mind And Stem Thinking Frameworks, Annmarie Andersen

Art 895 Research Papers

STEM-aligned schools often include arts through STEAM initiatives, but it is unclear how artistic thinking actually complements or differs from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) thinking. Studio Thinking research identifies Studio Habits of Mind (SHoM) as ways students think and learn through artmaking many of which parallel STEM competencies (thinking practices) such as problem-solving, modeling, and iterative design (Hetland, et al., 2013; Laquea, 2024).

Using student artwork, sketches, and student reflections as primary evidence, this comparative arts-based case study compares how Studio Habits of Mind align with and diverge from STEM thinking frameworks. By comparing these forms of evidence, the …

The Creative Classroom: A Phenomenological Study Of Engagement In Students With Adhd, Kathleen A. Johnson

Art 895 Research Papers

Qualitative research guides this engagement study with a Phenomenological approach. The researcher aims to examine how creative expression fosters increased engagement among students with ADHD. Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often approach their education differently than neurotypical students. Neurodivergent students frequently encounter challenges related to focus, impulse control, and organization. However, the cognitive benefits of art education enable these students to utilize their creative thinking and problem-solving skills, resulting in engagement that aligns with their natural abilities. The art classroom provides experiential learning opportunities that benefit engagement. By exploring the unique intersection of creativity and learning, this research highlights the …

Notetaking Reimagined: The Impact Of Combining Text And Visuals For Effective Learning, Sarah J. Mussetter

Art 895 Research Papers

This Mixed-Methods Narrative Case Study examines previous research on the effects of visual/ illustrative notes and their effect on knowledge coding, retention, and retrieval processes. It adds to current research in the form of a case study of a high school advanced photography course in Livingston, MT and the effect that adding visuals to notetaking practices affects student performance and memory throughout the semester. This study also proposes a method of introduction to visual notetaking that can be implemented in classrooms regardless of subject matter.

Adaptive Art Teaching Strategies: Empowering Students And Paraprofessionals In The Inclusive Art Classroom, Kameran Dostal

Art 895 Research Papers

In the art room, differentiation for students with exceptional disabilities presents unique challenges. Some art educators teach in self-contained settings (e.g. adaptive art classes), other art educators teach in inclusive art room settings (where students with disabilities are integrated into the art room), and others teach a combination of both. The research on adaptive art programs and adaptive teaching practices has the potential to impact students with disabilities as a piece of advocacy to showcase the impact of the visual arts on their IEP goals and fine motor skills. The intention is that this research re-examines best practices in teaching …

The Art And Science Of Observation: Visual Journaling In A Collaborative Classroom, Jennifer Mercado

Art 895 Research Papers

This case study explores the impact of explicitly teaching observation and visual journaling skills on student retention and comprehension of scientific concepts upon a co-taught science classroom. It aims to measure the impact of collaboration between science and art teachers in ac o-taught science classroom on student outcomes and teaching practices. This research is a case study, which is a qualitative data collection method, of student science observations, analysis, and data in art/science journals. After receiving informed consent, the partnered teachers’ reflections regarding the collaborative process and outcomes will be included. This study is important as it will examine the …

Authentically Assessing Student Learning In A Data Driven School System, Curtis Marolf

Art 895 Research Papers

As educators, we are often tasked with measuring student progress and understanding using standardized testing methods. As a visual arts instructor, I find these testing methods to be antiquated and inadequate for measuring students’ knowledge in the classroom, as they solely focus on an individual’s ability to recognize, recall or repeat factual data. If the goal of a quarterly assessment is to answer the question, “How do we know that the students know what we want them to know?” then standardized assessments are not the answer for the visual arts. The art classroom is a creative and expressive space, where …

Exploring The Role Of Ai And Educators In Shaping Student Creativity, Shyanne B. Mickelsen

Art 895 Research Papers

Art plays a vital role in personal expression and social innovation, yet as our students progress through the increasingly digital educational system, their creative confidence often diminishes due to external pressures such as peer comparison, time constraints, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). As students progressively engage with new technology that can generate creative outputs, it raises questions about the authenticity of their work and the role of human creativity in regards to originality. This study examines how the pressure to be original intersects with creativity and the impact of AI on students' artistic expression. The aim is to …

Determining Art Teacher Success In The Art Classroom, Mark Jefferis

Art 895 Research Papers

The purpose of this research study which used historical research methods is to help develop criteria that can be used to determine the success of an art teacher in an art classroom and methods to assess the developed criteria. This research studied professional standards developed by national organizations for art teachers. Current and past art teacher assessment methods were reviewed analyzing their importance, their shortcomings, and their potential. Then criteria were created to more clearly define success in an art classroom and ways to assess the developed criteria were discussed to help school administrators and art teachers assess their practices …

Increasing Program Accessibility For Historically Marginalized Populations In A Mid-Sized Art Museum: A Case Study, Angela King

Art 895 Research Papers

Accessibility has been a major theme in museums since the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. This case study focuses on how Mobile Museum of Art can increase the accessibility to programming, curriculum, and collections for populations which have been historically marginalized, such as individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, families experiencing homelessness, individuals with sight impairments, and immigrant communities. This research focuses on two outreach programs at Mobile Museum of Art, a mid-size art museum in Mobile, Alabama. The results will inform my own professional practice as the Curator of Art Education at Mobile Museum of Art.

Elementary Art And The Pride Program: Discovering Effective Practices For Enhancing Accessibility To Curriculum And Instruction For Students Who Are Severely Impacted By Autism, Kara Lynch

Art 895 Research Papers

In this case study, I use my position as the school’s art teacher to examine the challenges faced, while in the art room, by students who are severely impacted by autism. Our elementary campus has created a PRIDE program that comprises students in grades K-5 who are severely impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other disabilities. This case study considers how educators can provide better access to curriculum and instruction for students who are severely impacted by autism. It also examines the importance of understanding this population’s needs to achieve a higher rate of success in the art room …

Enhancing Student Engagement And Persistence Within A High School Art Classroom: A Phenomenological Research Study, Rachel I. Esson

Art 895 Research Papers

Within this Qualitative research study, a Phenomenological approach will be used to draw conclusions and share my past and present experiences as a high school visual art educator to help facilitate better student engagement and persistence within projects. I will also utilize the reflections and experiences of other high school art teachers and former students’ perspectives 2 (from my school) to further strengthen and guide the research. Interviews and direct observations were used to gather information and will be used to make connections with scholarly research. These findings will be explained in an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, where I …

Examining Steam Education Programs Within Art Museums: “A” Is For Art Museums, Kylie B. Corkern

Art 895 Research Papers

This case study considers the role that art museums can serve while using science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education. Through a qualitative inquiry, cases from literature are examined and opportunities are shared for best practices that art museums can use with STEAM education. This study not only advocates for art museums to include STEAM opportunities but also the collaboration between schools and art museums to be able to create these possibilities. Finding these concepts and ideas will show the unique position that art museums can play in STEAM education. This study will also share the influence in expanding …

Assessment In Art Education: Exploring Strategies To Support Student Learning, Mindy Armstrong

Art 895 Research Papers

The purpose of this case study is to examine how assessing students in various ways throughout the artistic journey is best practice for art classrooms. This qualitative inquiry analyzed various assessment artifacts, involved collecting surveys from art educators, and incorporated personal observations to make the meaning from the data.

The Role Of The Artist: Insights From The U.S. Army's Historical Employment Of Artists, Laura Goodwin

Art 895 Research Papers

This study uses a case study and historical analysis to examine how descaling art education programs leads to diminishing the roles of artist in society. To demonstrate how support for art programs affects artists’ roles, this study focuses on the Army’s historical use of art programs that engaged artists in documenting history through the eyes of soldiers in both war and peacetime. The role of artist in the Army parallels the role of artists in society, and the diminished emphasis on art education mirrors what’s happening in our schools. Examining the Army’s history of scaling art programs up and down …

Assessing Student Artwork: A Case Study, Kylee N. Haba

Art 895 Research Papers

This case study investigates ways educators assess student artwork while focusing on the assessment criteria of five different instructional approaches in art education. This qualitative inquiry is informed by participant questionnaires and an analysis of participant assessment criteria that teachers implement in their classrooms. This paper observes assessment strategies from within the classroom, and analyzes the assessment strategies implemented on student Artsonia projects. (Note. Artsonia is an online platform for art teachers to create portfolios for each student and share artwork with family, staff, and the community.) This analysis includes commentary on the assessment strategies’ effectiveness and ineffectiveness. This research …

Understanding Students' Racial, Ethnic, And Cultural Identities Through Art, Kelsey Rose Long

Art 895 Research Papers

My study aims to understand how students’ beliefs and feelings about their racial, ethnic, and cultural identities impact the creation of artwork in the art classroom. This is achieved by examining students' interactions with their teachers in the art classroom through autoethnography and ethnography. This study finds that students express their complex cultural identities through artmaking by incorporating visual culture and lived experiences connected to their families and the cultures they grew up in. This research provides art teachers with practical strategies to design and implement more culturally sustaining art lessons so they can better understand their students’ cultural identities.

Evaluating Social Justice In Art Education In The Washoe County School District: A Case Study, Blaine Stanford

Art 895 Research Papers

This research is inspired by my own desire to improve my teaching by implementing social justice lesson planning into my curriculum and to make it easier for other educators to do so. I believe that social justice is one of the most important topics we can teach that our students are facing today. By integrating social justice into art education, students can think critically about oppression, injustice, and inequality, that is happening to them and around them. Social justice in art education is a critical tool that students can utilize to examine oppression within our institutions and in our communities, …

Instructional Practices To Support English For Speakers Of Other Languages In The Art Classroom: An Ethnographic And Autoethnographic Study, Arthur Waldrip

Art 895 Research Papers

In this research, I utilize an ethnographic and autoethnographic methodology to understand such instructional practices that are utilized to support English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and ways that these practices can be implemented into an art curriculum, in addition to an ethnographic and autoethnographic study, examining and reflecting on the impact language has on bicultural students who are placed in programs that support ESOL. As a bicultural adult, I compare my past and present experiences of understanding, supporting, and adapting language for ESOL students to better support their needs in the art classroom.

Benefits Of Using Content Centered Social Emotional Strategies In The Art Room, Whitney Long Dawson

Art 895 Research Papers

For this case study I evaluate the systems already in place in my district, which include Capturing Kids Hearts, Weekly Social Emotional Lessons, and MTSS Tiers, to show the effects on students coping skills. Next, I use findings from the current practices to guide me in implementing more innovative and art content centered strategies into my art classroom to see the change in coping skills. The learning outcomes focuses on how to help determine if the content-based strategies have success in improving students coping skills, specifically dealing with how students demonstrate self-confidence and how they manage criticism in the art …

A New Museum Experience: Survival And Best Practices, Sophia Holmes

Art 895 Research Papers

This study researches how museums adapt to changing technologies as well as opportunities to retain their audience and visitors while finding new best practices to help in their survival as an institution. It examines how different museums in the United States predict the trajectory of their museum will continue forwards through the different offerings they provide. This study explores how technology and social media, modern exhibitions and initiatives, community outreach and campaigns, and more contribute to the museums’ continuation in the current industry landscape. I examine these ideas through interviewing art museum educators at institutions around the US, examining the …

Cross-Curricular Content: Integrating Standards And Learning Objectives, Kristen Douglas

Art 895 Research Papers

This action research study takes a look at the opportunity art teachers have in utilizing other content standards and lesson objectives in their class, by using eighth grade math standards in an animation project as an example of this perspective. Within the study, we will see how integrating standards from another subject area in one’s own curriculum will effect project outcomes and student understanding in art.

A Case Study In Developing Instruction That Enhances Student Creative Behavior, Hillary Schlecht

Art 895 Research Papers

This case study examines the best practices in developing instruction to enhance student artists creativity. Using a transformative mixed methods approach, this study shows how teacherdirected lessons and choice-based art projects within a learner directed classroom using the practices with the philosophy of Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) can enhance student artist creativity. The goal of this case study is to reflect and evaluate the different strategies I have used over the last five years to develop an art curriculum that enhances student creativity. This case study will reflect the findings from my classroom over the last five years. I …

The Impact Of Words Save Lives In Leavenworth, Ks, Michaela Bristow Fitzgerald

Art 895 Research Papers

This case study explores the impact of Words Save Lives, an event expanded to Leavenworth, Kansas and hosted by LV Arts Inc. in September 2022. Using a mixed methods approach to data collection, this study is guided by four research questions: 1.) How can arts and humanities events, programs, and initiatives be used as a means for arts-based placemaking in Leavenworth? 2.) Do residents of Leavenworth feel a connection to the arts as a result of participating in arts and humanities events, programming, and initiatives and, more specifically, Words Save Lives? 3.) Does the Words Save Lives event in Leavenworth …

Therapeutic Approaches Applied To A Middle School Art Unit, Alisa Burggraff

Art 895 Research Papers

This case study begins with a brief description of my circumstances as a middle school art teacher, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), and my research questions: How can art educators adapt CASEL/SEL within their art curriculum to improve students’ mental health and abilities to cope with stress and trauma? What specific therapeutic and CASEL Model procedures can be applied to an art curriculum that aids in the development of a child’s social and emotional development or learning? SEL and CASEL are defined and compared to art therapy/art therapy practices. A rationale …