This article explores two teaching approaches available to art education teachers: arranging curricula based on big ideas found in postmodern artists' work and practice, and/or adopting a choice-based studio model. The author considers the role that offering students choice (and fundamentally, shared power) plays in each of these approaches. As a…

Making the visual arts program meaningful in public education can be a challenge when one considers how little instructional time is devoted to the visual arts. A challenge for art educators is to seek opportunities outside the classroom for real-life inquiry-based projects. This form of systematic inquiry done by teachers for themselves is called…

Teachers who frame the curriculum around purposeful playful activities that allow children to work at their own pace and allow children to make choices rather than be coerced into their work are indirectly committed to becoming researchers in their own classrooms. The art teacher-researcher is a participant observer of what goes on in the…

Describes a "critical pedagogy" that encourages reflective self-examination of attitudes, values, and beliefs within historical and cultural critique. Highlights an art lesson for preservice teachers that illustrates the use of a critical pedagogy of representation, focusing on self-portraits by Frida Kahlo and Leonora Carrington. Discusses the…

Presents four lessons based on three paintings and one woodcut by women artists. Contends that the lessons provide visual imagery that will challenge the imagination of female students and enhance their self-esteem. Includes full-page color reproductions of the art works, student objectives, and instructional strategies. (CFR)

Outlines the use of a rubric format to assess student learning in art production. The rubric provides students a visual guide to the successful and deficient areas. It includes areas for comments on preparation, research, assignment goals, craftsmanship, originality, and aesthetics. Recommends student involvement in establishing the evaluative…