Uses a case-study approach to examine the role of belief as a catalytic quality in the artistic making and the thinking processes used by children. Describes the processes encountered by children when presented with artistic tasks. Discusses the relationship between belief and the three other main dimensions of artistic thinking and making: social…

Presents responses to the policy recommendations issued by the National Endowment for the Arts in "Toward Civilization: A Report on Arts Education." Samuel Hope places this report in an historical context, Kevin Mulcahy points out the dangers of viewing art education as a pedagogical frill, and James Hutchens addresses issues of…

This article provides examples of ways to implement an arts program consistent with a model of talent development for diverse groups of students. The process-oriented approach emphasizes role modeling and the necessity for teachers who can function as artists themselves. Tips for class structure, curriculum, and scheduling are also provided. (PB)

Understanding and creating art can teach students to work cooperatively and strive to achieve goals. Parents can encourage students' participation in art by supporting community art programs and helping to decide how art will be taught in school. The paper describes how to plan and conduct art education PTA meetings. (SM)

All of the seventh-grade students in Lisa Gilman's school have laptop computers. She wanted them to use the computers not just as a research tool, but also as a tool for artistic expression. Since Impressionism is part of the seventh-grade curriculum, she had them identify parallels between the Impressionists' use of technology and artists' use of…

Historically, many educators have felt that the number of children who read less effectively than they should is far too high. As long ago as the 1960's, authorities reported that about 18 to 25% of America's school-age children were suffering from some form of reading impairment. Recent NAEP results suggest unacceptably high failure rates (below…

Several years ago, Gloria Brinkman developed an assessment tool for use in her art classes that is simple, efficient, and has proven to increase both student learning and student appreciation of the creative process. The format is based on a ten-point handwritten response to three specific prompts entered weekly in a journal. The journals can be…

The authors offer a rationale, structure, and method for teaching an experientially based class in using the arts as an adjunct to counseling. They describe the benefits to counseling students, review literature documenting the effective uses of the arts in counseling, and recommend textbooks and other resources. Professional and ethical…

There are many interpretations for the symbols that are seen in rock art, but no decoding key has ever been discovered. This article describes one classroom's experiences with a lesson on rock art--making their rock art and developing their own personal symbols. This lesson allowed for creativity, while giving an opportunity for integration…

Students analyze common characteristics of visual arts evident across time and among cultural/ethnic groups to formulate analyses, evaluations, and interpretations of meaning. One challenge in teaching tenth grade students who come from very diverse backgrounds is how to introduce them to a variety of artists within a five-month semester system.…

About 15,000 BC, the bison and other animals roamed the land and cave people, in their spare time, found colorful, chalky rocks with which to play. Over the course of time, they found that the chalky rocks would rub off on the cave walls, thus cave paintings and the pursuit of art was born. This article describes one fourth-grade classroom's…

In this anthology, 18 authors address art education and classroom issues of concern to the middle and high school level teacher. The volume includes: (1) "The Discipline of Art" (Harlan Hoffa); (2) "Art Criticism and Social Integration of the Disciplines of Art" (Tom Anderson); (3) "The Period of Transescence and Its Relevance for the Secondary…

Contends that student questions about art interpretation and evaluation require that teachers should broaden their interpretations of works of art. Discusses modernism, postmodernism, and discipline-based art education. Concludes that a postmodern approach to art education could empower students with knowledge to create new worlds. (CFR)

Examines issues related to critical studies and educational goals included in the National Curriculum in Great Britain. Concludes that the emphasis on production in art education has declined and that aesthetics and cultural diversity, both components of critical studies, has increased insignificance. (CFR)

Presents four paintings and summarizes a discipline based art education approach to studying them. Each painting is followed by a brief text consisting of information about the subject and artist. The text also includes writing assignments, research questions, and related activities. The paintings include portraits by Goya and Joan Miro. (MJP)