Art Education Commons^™

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, …

Crescendo, Jeffery A. Pabotoy

Theses and Dissertations

Artist Statement

I have always found comfort and warmth in my family. When I am not with them, I find myself clinging to the objects they leave behind as a substitute in their absence. As I began to re-create these objects through paintings and ceramics, I realized that I was creating symbolic portraits of my family. These portraits are tangible family moments preserved in pigment and clay.

In recent years, my siblings were deployed to war and I began to represent them as various instruments. These instruments, both musical and tools of war, chronicle who they were and who they …

Design Thinking For The Development Of Formal Operations: A Team-Based Middle School Design Curriculum, Stephanie K. O'Dell

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, I propose a team-based design curriculum that aligns with the cognitive development of middle school age students. The ability to think abstractly develops at a specific time in development, according to widely accepted cognitive theory. The middle school years are the launching pad of abstract thinking. At this age, students are also primed for learning through social activity. The design process often includes abstract problem solving challenges, and working within a team structure. These ideas build a foundation for a research question—could a team-based design curriculum in middle school strengthen students’ natural cognitive development by providing opportunities …

Sankofa Art Education: A Cultural Basis For Ghanaian Art Education, Esi Sam Annan

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a curriculum research project that focuses on teaching the traditional arts of Ghana and enduring artistic ideas to Ghanaian basic school students. It has been designed based on data from a survey conducted with experts in Ghana arts history and on the traditional arts of Ghana. The curriculum covers the major arts practiced by the traditional artists. It also recognizes some contemporary Ghanaian artists and their artworks.

This study offers insights into Ghanaian basic school art teachers’ philosophies and experience with their traditional arts. Through analysis of the findings, the major themes that emerged were changes in …

Interdisciplinary Connections Between Science & Theatre, Jessica N. Dotson

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

INTERDISCIPLINARY CONNECTIONS BETWEEN SCIENCE & THEATRE

Jessica Nicole Dotson

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015.

Major Director: Dr. Noreen C. Barnes, Director of Graduate Studies, Associate Professor of Theatre

In the 1990s, astronomer Peter Usher was searching for new ways to teach his introductory astronomy class at Pennsylvania State University. He began to engage his students by searching for astronomical connections from other disciplines. His focus was turned to the arts, especially the works of William Shakespeare. Usher found, while …

The Effects Of Creative Dramatics On Vocabulary Achievement Of Fourth Grade Students In A Language Arts Classroom: An Empirical Study, Annrené Joseph

Theses and Dissertations

Seattle Pacific University

Abstract

The Effects of Creative Dramatics on Vocabulary Achievement of Fourth Grade Students in a Language Arts Classroom: An Empirical Study

by

AnnRené Joseph

Chairperson of the Dissertation Committee: Dr. Arthur K. Ellis,

School of Education

That the arts enhance academic achievement has been a claim of educators for the past century. An empirical and replicable study to investigate this claim was needed.

This experimental study examined whether and to what extent the use of creative dramatics interventions increased the vocabulary achievement of fourth grade students in a language arts classroom. The 20-day study was conducted across …

Food Landscapes: A Case Study Of A Cooking And Art- Focused Program For Teens Living In A Food Desert, Jessica R. Norris

Theses and Dissertations

This study constructs themes and propositions about the experiences of youth participants in the fall 2013 Food Landscapes program at the Neighborhood Resource Center in Richmond, Virginia. During the program, youth participated in cooking-based volunteerism with adults with disabilities and created short videos about their experiences. In this study, I analyzed pre- and post-program participant interviews, twice-weekly program observations, and facilitator reflections to understand how Food Landscapes affected youths’ conception of community engagement and communication strategies. This case study offers insight into how youth experience after-school programming of this design. Based on my findings, youth develop and rely upon a …

A Cultural Lens Into The Story Underneath: A Resource Guide Of African American Art, Artists And Culture For Art Education, Valerie Graves

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study is to create a qualitative resource guide of African American culture, art, and artists for an art education curriculum. This project encompasses four main themes to reflect an area of African American culture via a work of art created by an African American artist. These themes are, Family with the sub themes African American Male, Matriarch, and Children; Spirit with the sub themes Faith, Spirituality, and Inspiration; Identity with the sub themes Artist’s Voice, Triumph, and Hope and Vision; Community with the sub themes Ancestors, Social Issues, and Cultural Voice. These themes constitute …

My Art, Their Personalities: Capturing The Sitters, Michael Anthony Worsham

Theses and Dissertations

When I paint I like to work not only from what I see, but also from what I know exists. I consider myself a figurative painter emphasizing portraiture. I use informal compositions that are more interesting than traditional poses. Some of my work also displays a sense of humor and a twist to formal posing. I work from photographs, taking quick snapshots that show both relaxed and energetic poses. These scenes are usually captured in the neighborhood where I grew up. The people I photograph are friends and family. Some of my major influences are Mary Cassatt, Lucian Freud, Michael …

Assessing Arts Educators: How The Performances Of Public And Private High School Art Teachers Are Assessed In Virginia, Jill Palumbo

Theses and Dissertations

Teacher assessment is a hot topic in today’s high-stakes, test-driven, accountability-focused educational environment. My recent research addresses how high school art educators, under the umbrella of non-tested subjects and grades, are assessed in their classroom teaching practices in Virginia. Based on my findings, it is clear that while the teachers surveyed do not fear accountability, they are wary of being evaluated by those who lack the content knowledge in the arts, by methods that are subjective, and with criteria that is inflexible. This thesis addresses the need to develop open forums that include the educator’s voice in order to create …

Art Education And The Encouragement Of Affective And Cognitive Empathy In Early Childhood, Luke Meeken

Theses and Dissertations

This study constructs a theoretical framework for exploring the relationship between art education practice and the development of empathy in early childhood. In this study, I construct a schema for the experience of empathy in kindergarten-aged students, derived from the work of Martin Hoffman, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Vittorio Gallese, which acknowledges both the affective and cognitive dimensions of the experience of empathy. This schema is examined within the context of aesthetic and artistic experience, as distinguished from each other by John Dewey. I articulate several ways that art education’s cultivation of subtle aesthetic perception may encourage affective empathy, and its …

To The Ages Of Ages: Reconceptualizing High School Art History Curriculum, Amy Bergh

Theses and Dissertations

Through this curriculum study, I explored the application of ideas found within contemporary art education to a course of traditional secondary art history. These contemporary art education ideas included: visual culture instruction, interdisciplinary instruction, contemporary art instruction, curriculum development, the use of enduring ideas, and the inclusion of a variety of perspectives based on gender and ethnicity. Through these art education ideas, a new curriculum was formed, that pushed both the students and the teacher toward a more inclusive art history course that made real connections for students and allowed students to be active members in their own learning. Instruction …

Teaching Mourning, Julie Crowder

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract TEACHING MOURNING By Julie Ann Crowder, MAE A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Art Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Major Director: Sara Wilson McKay, Ph.D. Interim Department Chair and Associate Professor, Art Education As a researcher I sought to understand the following research questions: 1) What were the official policies and protocols that went into effect at William Fox Elementary School after the murder of the Harvey family in January of 2006? 2) What were the experiences of the staff and parents at William Fox Elementary …

Teaching English Language Learners In The Art Classroom: A Survey Of Approaches, Alana Greer

Theses and Dissertations

This study consisted of an online survey of members of the National Art Education Association Elementary Division in which 29 participants answered questions related to their instruction of English language learners in the elementary art classroom. Four participants participated in follow-up interviews as the researcher sought to answer the research questions: What pedagogical and curricular adaptations in the art classroom may be effective strategies for teaching English language learners? What are the perceived challenges of having a linguistically diverse art classroom? Participants offered a variety of pedagogical adaptations but suggested few curricular adaptations. Participants revealed challenges related to their teacher …

Art & Literacy Connections: An After-School Program For Parents & Children, Camilla Jane Landers

Theses and Dissertations

Art & Literacy Connections: an After-School Program for Parents & Children was started in the fall of 2006 through the Art Department and Parent Center at Pine Haven Elementary. Many programs find parent support helpful in a child's education, however few programs require parental involvement within the class. Each session of the Art & Literacy program provided opportunities for parents and students to learn together. During each session a book was read to the group using a PowerPoint presentation. A classroom teacher discussed reading tips and how to develop good reading habits. The role that art can play in the …

Assessing Multicultural Art Education: What Approaches Are Currently Being Used In Virginia Public High Schools?, Laura Nichols

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized a survey of Virginia public high school teachers to examine how teachers understand multicultural education, how frequently they teach from this perspective, what cultures are represented, what teaching strategies they use, and what, if any incentives would encourage them to teach in this way more frequently. Through analysis of the findings, three major themes emerged which describe participants’ views of the purpose of multicultural education. These themes are “exposure” to other cultures, “understanding” of the way cultures interact and of the context surrounding a culture’s art, and promoting “equity” in the classroom environment and by encouraging students …

The Educational Role Of The Art Museum And Its Collections In The Teaching Of University Undergraduate And Graduate Student, Lanette Mcneil

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to gain understanding of the types and purposes of art museum educational programs, services and collaborative projects that have been developed by art museum educators for university audiences. Additionally, this study examines the challenges in creating and sustaining these educational experiences. This study presents results from an exploratory qualitative web survey administered to art museum educators from public, private, and university art museums. This study provides insight into the relationships between the art museum educators and the university audiences. Additionally, this study underscores the importance of understanding theoretical differences from which art museum educators …

Virtual Reality In Art Education, Sohhyoun Yoon

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis project presents possible uses of Virtual Reality for art education. To understand VR, this thesis reviews the history of using technology in educational environments and explores the concepts, definitions, and characteristics of VR in general. Then, it shows diverse purposes of VR for education and art educational environments. For an art class, the units present the use of Teen Second Life, which is a free on-line virtual world. The units demonstrate how art educators may use Teen Second life for high school art classes to build students’ understandings of their identities by creating their avatars, clothing, objects and …

A Service-Learning Approach To An Arts-Based Technology Course To Increase Pre-Service Teacher Receptivity To Teaching Technology, Elizabeth Essex

Theses and Dissertations

The following question and sub-question guide this thesis project: 1) How does a service-learning approach in an arts-based technology course increase pre-service teacher receptivity to teaching technology? 2.) What are some barriers to teaching technology for pre-service teachers? A positive service-learning experience provides good learning models which have the potential to address the barriers to teaching technology for pre-service teachers by influencing their self-efficacy. Included in this thesis is a unit plan which responds to these research questions. There are many barriers to teaching technology for teachers including lack of funds, availability and quality of computer hardware and software, teaching …

The Future Of Aesthetics In/And Visual Culture Art Education In 21st Century Art Education, Shannon Reibel

Theses and Dissertations

This grounded theory project researches and analyzes publications from 1990-2008 assessing the debate over aesthetics in/and VCAE in 21st century art education. Through a series of visual models, a working theory and its supporting evidence assess this contested subject. Within the context of Modern and Postmodern paradigm conflict, art educators’ debate over aesthetics in/and VCAE fundamentally deals with differing conceptions of identity and freedom. Although commonly sharing the goal of fostering the formation of student identity through the provision and exercise of freedom, art educators’ differing perspectives on identity and freedom result in differing prescriptions for 21st century art education. …

Demonstration Or Dbae? Using Each Approach In The Fourth Grade To Find Which Works Best, Christine Anne Nixon

Theses and Dissertations

There are many ways to teach art effectively, but which way reaches all levels of learning successfully? A study was conducted using two fourth grade classes in a parochial school in Little Rock, Arkansas. Class 4A was taught by using the demonstration approach, while Class 4B was taught using the Discipline-Based Art Education (or DBAE) approach. A Native American unit was developed and three lessons were taught to each class. All students were successful creating works of art, but Class 4B was engaged in additional activities such as writing, debating, critiquing, reflecting, and small group discussions. In the end, Class …

The Mural As A Teaching Tool In Elementary Education, Mignon Hatton

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the idea that the mural is a valuable tool that teachers should be encouraged to use. The mural project combines co-operative group work, history lessons, review of current events, social changes, and self evaluation. These public art forms are easily accessible because they can be found on the walls of many public buildings as well as on the Internet. The creation of a mural involves cross curricular learning in math, science, and the language arts.

Art Education In Arkansas: The Organizational History Of The Arkansas Art Educators From 1922 To The Present, Ronda Ramsey May

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of my research is to document the changes and advancements in art education in Arkansas through the written history of the art teacher organization, the Arkansas Art Educators (AAE). Chronicling the efforts of AAE's membership to advocate for art education will help preserve the history of AAE and connect it with the broader history of the educational developments in the state between 1922 and the present.

A Descriptive Study Of Learning Styles And Multiple Intelligences On Student Creativity Within The Art Classroom, Sharon Boyd-Struthers

Theses and Dissertations

In 2004, a law was enacted in Arkansas that provided art and music to all elementary children, grades first through sixth. Two years after the preliminary thesis began all district elementary schools added certified art teachers. At the end of the 2007/08 school year, these teachers will have been instructing for three years. In 2008/09, a full four years of instructional impact will be assessable through the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) testing scores of second grade students. This thesis considers whether a teacher's receptiveness to student learning differences or teacher methodology affects the level of creativity by either …

A Comparison Of Multiple Intelligence Preferences And Performance On Standardized Tests, Suzanne Marie White

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to look for correlations between levels of preference for multiple intelligences and performance rates on standardized tests, as determined by utilizing the Teele Inventory of Multiple Intelligences and standardized test scores. The research was conducted in small rural elementary school in southern New Jersey where the researcher was the art teacher. The sample consisted of the entire fifth grade class (n= 64) who provided parental consent and had the necessary test scores available. Students completed the Teele Inventory of Multiple Intelligence by viewing a series of paired images of panda bears involved …

The Biodiesel Project: A High School Multi-Discipline Class Collaboration And Graphic Imaging Technology Unit Plan, Charles E. Cimo

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis project, my intention was to integrate diverse high school courses with poignant subject matter to increase the amount of learning students can achieve. This unit plan explored a Prince George High School (Virginia) multi-class cooperative effort involving biodiesel production. The project involved creating a biodiesel refinery built by Production Systems classes according to plans purchased from the Internet. The research for converting used kitchen oil into biodiesel and the titration of the fuel was conducted by Chemistry classes. Graphics Imaging Technology students created a logo, a poster, and designed brochures that described the processes and benefits of …

Technology At The Beginning Of The 21st Century: Using An Interactive Whiteboard In Elementary Art Education, Nancy G. Kocen

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined whether art lessons, provided using an Interactive Whiteboard (IWB), were effective in transferring learning to a diverse student population. The descriptive investigation focused on three main areas; the impact of the IWB on student learning, the time invested in integrating the IWB, and the compatibility of the IWB with my teaching style. The research took place over fourteen weeks starting in late August, 2006, and continued in my art room during the first quarter of the school year. Data were collected through daily journal entries, video taped lessons and interviews. Although long hours were required for training …

Differentiated Educational Strategies In The Elementary Art Classroom, Mary Amber Bush

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis provides elementary art teachers strategies for teaching lessons in a method called "differentiation". The purpose of differentiation is to tailor lesson plans to try and meet unique needs of the students. Lessons can be differentiated through content, process, or product. A teacher may choose one of these three areas and provide different approaches to the lesson to meet different learning needs of the students. To meet different learning needs in an efficient way, students are grouped for lessons based on their readiness, interests, or their learning styles. This thesis provides greater detail on content, process, product, readiness, interests, …

Art - A Tool For Teaching English To Esl Level I Students, Allison G. Duvall

Theses and Dissertations

Today's classrooms are filled with an ethnically and linguistically diverse population of students. In order for Limited English Proficient (LEP) high school students to be academically successful and meet the goals of No Child Left Behind 2001, they must learn academic English. As an art teacher, I understand the importance of art in a student's general education. However, could a high school art class, also, act as a tool for teaching LEP students the English language? My goal, through the use of action research, is to find an effective way to set up an English as a Second Language (ESL) …

Fostering Imaginative Expression In Elementary Art Students: A Descriptive Study Of Teacher Strategies, Julia Robinson Bargo

Theses and Dissertations

The students in my elementary art classes did not seem to be creating for themselves. They seemed to have the understanding there was only one correct answer in art class, and the art teacher knew what that answer was. By way of research I have found ways to create an atmosphere in my art room that promotes imagination and self expression in children, thus fostering a free and creative reaction from my students. Through understanding how and why one uses their imagination, an art teacher can enhance a student's ability to build and use his or her knowledge base. I …