This book brings together a collection of work from around the world in order to consider effective STEM, robotics, mobile apps education from a range of perspectives. It presents valuable perspectives--both practical and theoretical--that enrich the current STEM, robotics, mobile apps education agenda. As such, the book makes a substantial…

While the known health impacts of sedentary lifestyles have focused attention on children's outdoor activity, the development of their physical literacy -- the physiological, social, cultural, cognitive, expressive, and psychological dimensions of their physicality -- is much less in focus. Developing children's physical literacy is embedded in…

Arts education in Western Australian primary schools consist of learning opportunities outlined by mandated curriculum. However, assumptions underlying this curriculum involving access, resources and support impact schools' capacity to implement the curriculum without them being adequately addressed by the written curriculum. Drawing on the policy…

This article reports on an exploratory study that addressed the low confidence levels of 80 generalist primary student teachers enrolled in a mandatory visual arts course. Previous studies in this area have found that a cycle of neglect exists in Australia, as a result of educators' lack of confidence in their ability to teach visual arts. This is…

Media arts develop students? digital literacies so they can critically engage in the media-rich Australian lifeworld. However, pre-service teacher education courses often marginalise The Arts subjects, including media arts. In 2014, a pilot study was undertaken to determine first-year Bachelor of Education (Primary) pre-service teachers'…

With the impending introduction of the Australian Curriculum in the arts, there is cause to reflect on primary pre-service teacher education courses, and how effectively they prepare graduates to facilitate the curriculum. Reflecting on pre-service teachers' experiences in the arts, at both entry and graduation of their degree, may afford insight…

The shift in teacher education from face-to-face delivery to Distance Education mode means that the current landscape for the preparation of specialist and generalist Arts teachers is both complex and challenging, particularly since there is almost no guiding literature in the field of teacher education that attends specifically to this curriculum…

This paper reflects upon international arts education action and relative local in-action. The first half of the paper provides a brief narrative of the World Alliance for Arts Education's advocacy work and the development of the UNESCO Seoul Agenda: Goals for the development of arts education. The second half of the paper highlights a dance…

The arts are an important compulsory subject area in Australian schooling. In 2014, the Australian National Curriculum for the arts is scheduled for implementation. While the arts may be a compulsory subject area and expected to be taught in classrooms by primary school teachers, current perceptions held by teachers may be different to the view…

Arts education research over the years has highlighted the situation of non-specialist preservice primary arts teachers as having little confidence in their own artistic ability and their ability to teach the arts to children. Added to this, problems such a lack of resources, confidence, priority, time, knowledge and experience appear to inhibit…

Outlines new directions in theater for young people by profiling work of the "REM" theater company in Sydney, Australia. The company's second production for children is based on the myths, legends, and performance techniques of Fijian villagers. The company's productions involve a carefully constructed process that introduces the young…

This paper explains the method and value of critical aesthetic inquiry when researching the teaching of art. The paper contends that teaching is an art, and the only appropriate way to research art practice is through an artistic approach to critical inquiry. The paper explains how art education research is distinctive from scientific research. It…

Describes art programs that were given at several elementary Australian schools focusing on Christmas and Easter. Explains that the programs are based on the accounts of the birth and death of Jesus given in the Bible. States that the programs integrate studio art, art criticism, and art history. (CMK)

Examines the art education classes conducted via radio and correspondence by the Longreach School of Distance Education in Queensland, Australia. Consisting mostly of cattle and sheep ranches, Queensland is marked by vast distances and low population. Considers the ways that this isolation has shaped the character of distance visual arts…

Introduces and describes this special international issue focusing on educating through the arts. Argues that the arts promote children's sense of success, creativity, and self-expression. Notes contributions to this international issue from Canada, Finland, Norway, Australia, and the United States. Includes a bibliography of 11 references on…