The case study of Nadia, an autistic child, documents the phenomenally accurate drawings she made. Nadia's precocious drawing capacity raises questions about the drawing hypothesis adhered to by F. Goodenough and D. B. Harris and Gestalt theories of perception and representation. The argument is made that Nadia drew realistically because she…

This qualitative study investigated the medium of drawings as a methodological technique for visual data analysis. The study explored graphical symbols as an additional source for descriptive, interpretive inquiry. The design focused on gaining insight into the perceptions of adolescents' experiences as expressed by the visual narratives in their…

Describes how teachers and students used observation and documentation to create connected learning experiences and plan curriculum. Discusses using photographs, videotapes, audiotapes, written notes, drawings, and dialogue as observation techniques to support curriculum development. (DLH)

Examined the use of reflection surveys and students' pictures of their teachers at work to obtain information about classroom practices. Found that features in student drawings documented school changes. Drawings served as a powerful vehicle for teachers to learn from students' perspectives. Discusses problems with the method, and strategies for…

Describes the history of the Chautauqua Industrial Art Desk, a teaching machine that was created around 1913, and the two teaching guides, "The Home Teacher" and "Child Life," that accompany the desk. Explains that the desk was a response to the industrialization and urbanization of society in the early twentieth-century. (CMK)

Class lessons and activities in the visual arts for handicapped students (preschool to adolescent) are presented, based on Programs in the Arts for Special Education (Project PASE). In addition, eight articles from Pennsylvania art teachers are included. The lessons and activities were developed and field-tested by Pennsylvania's Central…

Environmental influences on the development of children's reflective capacities and their knowledge of freehand drawing were investigated among preschool, kindergarten and first-grade children. One aspect of the social context of drawing was considered: the interactions that take place when children draw in the company of peers. Tapes of…

Aims to show that children have a "functional use of drawing" which contrasts with the mechanistic stages model of drawing development. Observes that young children's images often show extended time sequences. Argues that, when considered from this viewpoint, children's drawing abilities develop gradually from a high to a low variety of…

Critiques the attempt by David Pariser and Axel van den Berg to apply the author's methods to a cross-cultural study. Argues that their study is too flawed to be definitive. Suggests means to test the universality of the U-curve as a cognitive development pattern or an artifact of culturally defined aesthetics. (DSK)

Responds to a critique of the authors' work by Jessica Davis. Enumerates and responds to each of Davis' critiques, arguing that many of them are invalid. Defends the research design choices made by the authors and the results of their study. (DSK)

University education students examined three strategies to teach drawing--self-expression, observational drawing, and incorporating language input--to primary school students. Findings suggested that particular characteristics of language strategies were most successful in promoting learning, especially when instructors were clear about the type…

This paper reports the findings of an inquiry into the role of visual arts in early childhood education. The inquiry consisted of three parts: (1) a review of documented practices of and literature about art in early childhood education; (2) a field study that investigated the place of art activities in 10 preschool and nursery school settings in…

This manual focuses on visual art and is intended for teachers using the Project Success Enrichment (PSE) program to teach gifted or interested elementary school students. An introduction discusses the PSE art philosophy, including a definition of the components of a complete work of art (subject matter, composition, and content), the study of…

Recognizing the compelling language of imagery available in the drawings of children who have been sexually abused, this book focuses on the link between sexual abuse during the latency period and specific developmental problems. Chapter 1, "Paradigms of Trauma and Sexual Abuse," presents sexual abuse as an external event associated with…

This qualitative study examined the ways in which homeless children cope with their environment. Preliminary data were gathered by observing homeless children at a homeless shelter day care center in a medium-sized midwestern city. As many as 12 children, aged 2 to 6 years, were observed in the day care setting on three different weekday mornings.…