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…

Explores Robert Henri's philosophy that art making is the inevitable result of reaching a state of heightened awareness. Considers how art teachers can convey this to students. Examines creative feelings, learning characteristics, and teaching strategies. Concludes that teachers' experience of this awareness as artists determines their ability to…

Discusses a study that compared the effects of selected aspects of a discipline-based approach to ceramic instruction with a child-centered approach. Makes comparisons in relation to fifth grade students' self-concepts, attitudes toward art, knowledge of art, and the aesthetic quality of modeled human figures and ceramic vessels. (KM)

This paper examines art, a discipline that bears striking parallels, and differences, in the way it is practiced and valued in the United States and Japan. In Japan, art is a valued part of the elementary curriculum warranting as much time as science and social studies. In the United States, art is generally thought of as something extra to do if…

This resource guide and the accompanying videotapes are based on the artist-generated lesson plans of the Very Special Arts Massachusetts artist residency program. Six arts units are presented: Collage, Puppetry, Movement I & II, Printmaking I & II, Theater Arts I & II, and Self Concept I & II. Each of these units consists of…

A collection of Christmas projects that can be adapted to different levels of German study are presented. The text is in German, except for the overview which is in English. It is advised that the teacher be well acquainted with the craft items to be presented to the students. The language of the classroom should be German to provide a total…

Asserts that educational researchers ideally want their interests, values, and assumptions about life and human purpose interwoven with their research themes. Reviews research in art education. Concludes that one topic to study would be the relationship between art education and life. (CFR)

Presents a case study of 95 elementary schools within a 50-mile radius of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to discern the extent to which elementary schools use local cultural/arts organizations to enhance teaching and learning. Concludes that most schools made use of available resources and that there is a need for a community "clearinghouse"…

Designed to expand children's artistic and reading/writing abilities while developing their ability to draw, tell, and write stories, this paper describes a "story-picture" program for first grade Blackfoot Indian children. General cognitive, perceptual and psychomotor, and affective skills are listed as the course's intended learning…

Designed to offer practical and flexible suggestions, this curriculum guide presents art teaching methods for instructing K-6 students in drawing techniques. Information in the guide is presented by grade level and further subdivided into sections on: (1) materials needed; (2) suggested topics; (3) motivation and guidance; (4) activities; and (5)…

Examines children's art creations in a child care center in Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. Suggests that, to produce art, children need many interesting experiences in classroom and community, as well as encouragement to think, talk, and create art in response to their experiences. Under such circumstances, their art is as intriguing and…

Discusses three issues pertaining to the use of interactive graphic hardware and software in schools: (1) computer graphic production processes; (2) the social dynamics of computer graphics production in school; and (3) the qualities of imagery. Concludes that art educators must consider what particular art concepts could and should be taught…

Using examples from children drawing in a year one classroom, this article examines firstly, how drawing operates as a unique mental tool, and secondly, the role of drawing in the construction and development of knowledge. Young children utilize prior knowledge and experience to negotiate and construct meaning through their interactions with…

Suggests that teachers can work with children's families to study likenesses and differences in their respective cultures. Details a class project for 7- to 8-year-olds whereby children start with self-portraits and construct masks of their faces. Provides sample mask project timeline and steps for making masks out of paper molds and a…

Depicts a high school art activity in which students create imaginative compositions by selecting, cutting out, and aesthetically arranging various styles of lettering. These letters then dictate the style and content of the composition. Tracing paper is used to transfer the desired composition creating a border for another page which is then…