This paper discusses the ideas of Conrad Fiedler, a 19th century German philosopher of art, concerning art criticism, or the judging of works of visual art. In addition to a brief biography of Conrad Fiedler, the paper's main subject is Fiedler's ideas on art criticism as expressed in his book "On Judging Works of Visual Art" (1876,…

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of an innovative art education program that was piloted in two elementary schools in Wichita, Kansas in 1987. Two questions were addressed: (1) Does instruction in art by a qualified art teacher produce increased learning of the content of art? and (2) Does art instruction emphasizing thinking…

This study examines the range of available art criticism formats, assesses the value of accompanying literature descriptions, and provides a conceptual framework for possible curriculum design. Descriptions and analyses are provided of art criticism formats presented in art education literature according to format characteristics, theoretical and…

It is hypothesized that graphic skills among the general U.S. population level off at puberty. Examined were the characteristics of 357 pairs of pencil drawings of human figures (one man and one woman) made by male and female adolescents (eighth graders), nonartistic adults (university elementary education majors), and artistic adults (beginning…

The hypothesis of this research study was that an intervention program involving preservice teachers working with inservice teachers in the classroom would result in elementary school children developing more positive attitudes toward the study of art and art instruction. Past studies have indicated that teachers feel they do not have the ability…

In October 1995, the Australian Parliament received the report of the Senate's Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts Reference Committee, entitled "Arts Education." This report was released just prior to an election and, as a result, its recommendations were subsequently ignored. These recommendations, some responsibility…

What types of considerations are appropriate for selecting artists to represent key themes in the history of art? How do minority artists in the United States fit into this selection process? Previously, most art history courses and texts emphasized the highlights of significant creative expression as evolving in the Western world antiquity. In…

This paper addresses contemporary concerns with the disintegration of meaning and fragmentation of knowledge. It appeals to interdisciplinary curricula, where an effort is made to reveal the interactive relationships among different fields of knowledge. The paper proposes Photography as an interdisciplinary theme, which involves Chemistry,…

The New Zealand Curriculum Framework identifies seven Essential Learning Areas, namely, Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Technology, Health and Physical Education, and the Arts. These have been in the process of development since 1993, with the Arts section written in draft form in 1998 and released for consultation in 1999. Being…

Discusses shortcomings in both cognitive- and competency-based assessment approaches to art learning. Asserts that they fail on a number of fronts to reflect the full extent of art and how it operates. Questions the degree of accuracy that these assessment approaches can achieve when considering art education. (EV)

For 8 years, the Community College of Allegheny County has offered a non-traditional science course, Chemistry of Art, which enables students to appreciate more fully the bonds and commonalities existing between the sciences and the arts, where creativity is common to both and where hands-on experience, visualization, and critical thinking can…

This articles explores authoritive problems in interpreting art education in research, namely authorization and authorship. Authorization rites and rights are now under institutional surveillance. A researcher should proceed with ethical fairness. The process of authorship is one of the negotiation of conflicting meanings, and at times subject to…

Increased attention to the importance of the arts in general education demands that we carefully define what we mean by "art" when we argue that it should be included in the school curriculum. Education in the arts has traditionally meant education in the making of art, but while only a few students will go on to produce artistically in…

The purpose of this research was to examine policies and curriculum practices in performing arts secondary schools in the United States. Data were obtained from a survey (including questionnaires, opinionnaires, interviews, and observations) conducted among 55 schools (total number existent in 1980) and visits to 11 selected institutions in the…

Before cutting up words, analyzing and dissecting them, children should touch the reality behind them. The arts are fundamental to the language experience approach to reading, providing a perceptual framework for a child to express ideas and feelings. The results of selected school programs where the arts have been incorporated into the curriculum…